My Blog
Posts for: September, 2013

While periodontal disease can take on a variety of forms, most are caused by a thin layer of bacterial plaque called biofilm. This layer of plaque will form every 8-12 hours and sticks like glue to your teeth near the gum line. With time, tartar formation occurs at and below the gum line.
If left unchecked, biofilm can give rise to a very unhealthy progression. It first triggers an infection that leads to painful inflammation, progressive bone loss and the gum tissue losing attachment with a tooth. Void spaces (or pockets) form where the gum and bone tissue once adhered; infectious plaque and tartar moves into these pockets and advances deeper to the root. Overcome by disease, the tooth is in danger of being lost.
It's imperative then to remove as much of this entrenched plaque and tartar as possible. Renewed oral hygiene is not enough — removing plaque and tartar from the root surfaces requires a treatment known as root planing.
Root planing is a meticulous, labor-intensive process. We first clear away larger portions of plaque around the teeth and gums with hand instruments or an ultrasonic device and then flush out the pockets with water. After administering a local anesthetic for pain, we would then turn to a number of small hand instruments known as curettes to probe and scrape away as much remaining plaque below the gum line as we can get to.
Root planing requires experience and a good sense of touch to work in areas that can't be clearly seen. Observing the gum line, though, can give us a good indication of progress as these tissues will actually change color once the biofilm and tartar deposits have been removed.
Being so deeply entrenched, not all the deposits might be removed during one session. However, as plaque and tartar are removed, the gum tissues will begin to heal and become less inflamed. This will make it easier to remove plaque in subsequent sessions.
Root planing takes time, but the effort is well worth it. In the short term you'll notice less inflammation and pain around your teeth and gums. In the long-term, it just may save your teeth.
If you would like more information on root planing and periodontal disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Root Planing.”

You have a toothache… or do you? That's not a facetious question — sometimes it's difficult to determine if it's your tooth that hurts, your gums or both. It's even difficult at times to pinpoint which tooth may be hurting.
This is because the pain can originate from a variety of causes. Determining the cause is the first step to not only alleviating the pain, but also treating the underlying condition. Those causes generally follow one of two paths: either the problem originates within a tooth and spreads to the gums and other tissue, or it begins with infected gum tissues and can spread to the teeth.
We refer to the first path as endodontic, meaning it originates from within a tooth. Most likely the tooth has decayed (also referred to as a cavity), which if untreated can progress, allowing bacteria to infect the tooth pulp (living tissue inside the tooth that contains nerve fibers). Pain results as the nerves become inflamed and sensitive, though often varying in quality (sharp or dull) or frequency (constant or intermittent); outside stimuli, like temperature or pressure, may also trigger pain.
Although likely originating with one tooth, it may be difficult to pinpoint which one is actually causing it; you might even feel pain in your sinus cavity radiating upward from the tooth. An untreated infection will continue to spread to surrounding soft tissue, or result in a painful abscess, an infected pocket of bacteria between the tooth and gums.
The other path is periodontal, meaning the infection originates in the gum tissues. A thin layer of dental plaque known as biofilm develops and sticks to teeth at the gum line, which can lead to infection of the gum tissue, which then becomes inflamed and painfully sensitive. The untreated infection can then progress along the tooth and invade the pulp through the accessory root canals.
Knowing the source of an ache will determine the best course of treatment, whether a root canal, root planing, or a combination of these or other procedures. It's also the best, most efficient way to relieve you of that unpleasant mouth pain.
If you would like more information on the various causes of tooth pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Confusing Tooth Pain.”

Dental implants are now the gold standard for tooth replacement. Why? Because not only do they offer the longest-lasting method of restoring missing teeth, but they also help mitigate one of the greatest problems associated with tooth loss — the loss of underlying bone structure. While standard dental implants have been around since the 1970s, mini-implants are a smaller version of the same technology that have recently come into their own. Here are a few things you should know about them.
Mini-implants rely on the same structure and principles as their larger relatives.
Like standard implants, mini-implants are screw-shaped devices made of titanium which are set into the bone of the jaw. Put in place permanently, they become fixed to the bone itself, which grows around and fuses to the implant. Or, they can be used as temporary anchors for the attachment of other dental work.
Mini-implants are a great option for attaching lower overdentures.
Overdentures (implant-retained dentures) are now considered the standard of care for people who have lost all of their teeth in one or both jaws. But the undesired movement of lower dentures has been a perennial problem for many denture wearers. One key use of mini-implants is to anchor overdentures to the lower jaw. Just two mini-implants provide the stability needed to attach a set of lower dentures sturdily, giving the denture wearer increased dental function — and a restored sense of confidence.
Mini-implants offer some real benefits in orthodontics.
TADS (Temporary Anchorage Devices), another type of mini-implants, are finding increasing use alongside of orthodontic appliances (braces). Braces move teeth by placing small forces on them, which are transmitted by a wire. The wire must be anchored at a “fixed” point: usually, other teeth; but it may cause these teeth to move as well! TADS offer an anchorage point that's truly immovable. They help to speed up orthodontic treatment, and give more accurate control as well.
Placing mini-implants is a relatively simple process.
It's an office procedure done by an experienced clinician, normally under local anesthesia. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well, experiencing only minor discomfort. In some cases, a single two-hour visit is all that's needed for implant placement, and the patient can go home and eat a steak afterward!
Mini-implants may be more economical than you think.
These smaller cousins of standard implants are often easier to place. They save treatment time, and, if you're a denture wearer, they may be compatible with your existing dentures. If your dental situation could benefit from using mini-implants, you should give them serious consideration.
If you would like more information about mini-implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Implant Overdentures for the Lower Jaw,” “The Great Mini-Implant,” and “What are TADS?”

If you have pain in your jaws or related headaches, you may have Temporo-mandibular Joint Disorder, TMD. You are probably wondering what this is — and how it can be treated. If this sounds like something you may have, read on for some answers.
What is TMD? TMD describes a group of disorders or diseases that have the same symptoms, but may have different causes, hence it is known as “The Great Imposter.” Pain in and around the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw joint involved in opening and closing your mouth — is characterized by pain and soreness in the region of one or both joints, ears, jaw muscles and even the sinuses.
How does the temporo-mandibular joint work? You can feel your jaw joints working if you place your fingers in front of your ears and move your lower jaw up and down. On each side the joint is composed of an almond shaped structure at the end of the lower jaw, called the condyle, which fits neatly into a depression in the temporal bone (the bone on the side of your skull near your ear). A small disc between the two bones allows the lower jaw to move forward and sideways. The joints are stabilized by ligaments and moved by muscles, like all your joints.
What is the most common cause of TMD? Many people clench or grind their teeth as a reaction to stress. This is generally a subconscious habit, and can even occur during sleep. Continual tooth grinding habits can cause the muscles to go into spasm, which is the most common cause of TMD pain. Structures associated with the jaws — teeth, air sinuses, and even neck and back muscles — share nerves with the muscles in the joints, so the pain may be felt in those structures too, making the exact source of the pain difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of TMD may limit your ability to open your jaw and talk or eat normally.
What is the treatment for TMD? Treatment will depend on the cause, but generally the first step is to relieve pain and discomfort with heat, mild painkillers, muscle relaxants, a soft diet, and simple jaw exercises. A bite guard may be recommended, which should be custom made in our office; a rigid yet unobtrusive plastic appliance that fits over the biting surfaces of your upper teeth. Properly fitted and adjusted, it aids and causes jaw muscle relaxation by preventing clenching and grinding. It is worn during times of stress when oral habits tend to recur, and can also be worn at night.
If you are suffering from TMD — whether the pain is moderate or severe — schedule an appointment with us to have it evaluated and treated. You can learn more about TMD by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “TMD: Understanding the Great Imposter.”
Our Office
Edward C. Joseph, D.D.S.
Burbank, CA 91505
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- January (6)
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- Orthodontics Could be in Your Smile Makeover Plan
- Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
- Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
- Enhance Your Smile for that Special, Once-in-a-Lifetime Day
- 2018
- December (6)
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- New Year, New Smile
- Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- November (6)
- Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
- Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
- 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
- Dentures are Still a Viable Choice for Tooth Replacement
- Cosmetic Gum Surgery Can Help Restore Lost Tissues Around Teeth
- Gum Surgery Can Improve Your Smile and Save Your Teeth
- October (6)
- Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
- 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
- How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- September (6)
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- FAQs for National Gum Care Month
- Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
- Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
- August (6)
- Recreational Marijuana Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- What to do if Your Child has a Toothache
- World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
- Can't Afford Dental Implants? Consider Partial Dentures
- Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
- July (7)
- The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Around Age 3
- You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- Don't Take a Vacation From Oral Hygiene This Summer!
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Tips to Brighten Your Summer Smile
- June (6)
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
- Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Gum Infection Around Tooth Roots Calls for Immediate Action
- 2017
- December (5)
- Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
- Living with HIV includes Keeping a Close Watch on Your Oral Health
- 3 Ways You Can Help Your Child Feel at Home at the Dentist
- Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
- Air Abrasion Could be a More Pleasant Alternative to the Dental Drill
- May (5)
- Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Techniques for Keeping Impacted Canine Teeth from Spoiling Your Smile
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
- April (5)
- An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
- Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
- You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
- January (5)
- Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
- Get Control of Dry Mouth to Protect Your Dental Health
- Restore a Flawed Tooth in as Little as One Visit with Composite Resin
- You Should Brush and Floss Around Your Implant to Ensure its Longevity
- Keep a Lookout for These Soft Tissue Conditions in the Mouth
- 2016
- November (5)
- 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
- Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- September (5)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
- Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
- Treating "Burning Mouth" Depends on What's Triggering it
- Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
- June (5)
- Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
- Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
- 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
- Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
- The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
- May (5)
- Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
- Here's What to Do if Your Child has a Toothache
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
- Weigh a Poor Smile's Emotional and Social Cost when Considering Restorations
- March (5)
- Removable Dentures Remain a Viable Option for People with Total Tooth Loss
- Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Test Out Your Future Look With a 'Trial Smile'
- 2015
- December (5)
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- Saliva Performs Many Functions for Both Oral and General Health
- Three Considerations for Working with Your Dentist on Your Smile Makeover
- Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
- 2014
- August (5)
- Dental Hygienist - Your Partner in Preventing Disease and Maintaining Oral Health
- Major Benefits for Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
- Replace Missing Teeth to Prevent Other Teeth From Moving Out of Place
- Taking Precautions Before, During and After Implants Will Help Ensure Success
- Conscious Sedation can Make Your Child's Dental Visit More Pleasant
- 2013
- December (5)
- Do Clear Orthodontic Aligners Really Work?
- Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Important for Both Your General and Oral Health
- Consider all the Cost Factors When Deciding on a Crown Restoration
- New Permanent Teeth - Faster Than Ever!
- October (5)
- Are You an Athlete? Here Are Five Reasons You Should Wear a Mouthguard
- Dental Implant Maintenance: 5 Facts You Should Know
- Advances in Clear Aligners Make Them a Viable Choice for More Teens
- Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2012
- August (7)
- Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
- American's Obsession With Bad Breath
- Top 5 Advantages of Dental Implants
- Factors that Can Influence a Dental Implant
- Early Orthodontic Care Helped Child Star Nolan Gould Get Ready for Prime Time
- Child Star Nolan Gould Talks About Tooth Extractions, Orthodontic Treatment
- How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
- 2011
Tags
- cosmetic dentistry (50)
- smile makeover (30)
- periodontal (gum) disease (6)
- common symptoms (9)
- oral hygiene (36)
- oral health (88)
- diabetes (4)
- laser dentistry (4)
- crowns (5)
- dental health tips (2)
- dental implants (34)
- pediatric dentistry (36)
- age one dental visit (1)
- first dental appointment (1)
- tooth decay (15)
- x-rays (4)
- wedding day smiles (2)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- loose dentures (3)
- dentures (7)
- overdenture (2)
- tmd (4)
- tmj (4)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- sleep (1)
- fillings (8)
- cambra (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- thumb sucking (5)
- clear orthodontic aligners (4)
- orthodontics (10)
- invisalign (3)
- root canal (11)
- braces (7)
- root planing (2)
- celebrity smiles (4)
- dental implant (2)
- dental injuries (9)
- chipped tooth (4)
- bonding (5)
- veneers (5)
- sealants (2)
- snoring and sleep apnea (3)
- teeth whitening (14)
- bone grafting (2)
- missing teeth (3)
- chewing gum (1)
- xylitol (1)
- bad breath (6)
- dental injury (6)
- dental emergency (3)
- medication (3)
- aspirin (2)
- tooth wear (2)
- sedation dentistry (7)
- oral sedation (3)
- dental anxiety (2)
- bleeding gums (3)
- periodontal disease (15)
- gum disease (38)
- sinus pain (1)
- smile (1)
- heart disease (1)
- gingivitis (1)
- inflammation (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- brushing (1)
- fluoride (2)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- dental hygienist (2)
- baby teeth (2)
- mouthguards (5)
- sports dentistry (4)
- tooth colored fillings (4)
- oral cancer (10)
- dental emergencies (3)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- bleaching (1)
- discolored teeth (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- dry mouth (5)
- chipped teeth (2)
- mouthguard (2)
- genetics (1)
- clear aligners (3)
- dental fillings (1)
- mouth rinse (1)
- teething (6)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- toothache (5)
- overdentures (1)
- endodontics (1)
- cleaning (1)
- gluten (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- crown (2)
- blood pressure (1)
- wedding day smile (2)
- loose teeth (1)
- whitening (1)
- floss (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- dental appliance (1)
- dental cleanings (1)
- nutrition (9)
- smoking (5)
- partial denture (4)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- cold sore (1)
- sugar (1)
- sinus surgery (2)
- orthodontic treatment (6)
- space maintainer (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- topical fluoride (2)
- dental care (1)
- jaw pain (3)
- tooth extraction (2)
- saliva (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- smile design (2)
- bulimia (1)
- removable dentures (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- root canal treatment (8)
- crown lengthening (2)
- seniors (1)
- gummy smiles (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- air abrasion (2)
- extractions (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- shingles (1)
- plaque (1)
- adult braces (1)
- hiv (1)
- oral heath (1)
- bone loss (1)
- bruxism (1)
- night guard (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gum recession (3)
- teeth grinding (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- cancer (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- GERD (1)