Doolin | Haddad Advanced Dentistry Blog

In-office teeth whitening vs at-home whitening

2009-06-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Can’t start the day without a cup o’ joe? Having trouble kicking the nicotine habit for good? Look forward to a glass of wine with friends? These are all enjoyable habits, but they also wreak havoc on the whiteness of our teeth, along with aging, genetics, and certain medications.

If you are unhappy with your stained, discolored teeth, you’re probably wondering about the best way to whiten and brighten your smile. With so many choices, it can be confusing without the right information to guide you.

At-Home Whitening or In-Office Laser Whitening?

Whitening your teeth at home involves a variety of over-the-counter products, such as whitening strips, brush on whiteners, and special toothpastes. Bleaching trays filled with a special gel that fit over your teeth are also available.

While at-home solutions can be less costly and more convenient than in-office laser whitening, they are also messy, time consuming and less effective than laser bleaching. In fact, deep stains may not whiten at all.

Laser whitening performed in your dentist’s office is generally more costly, but the instant, same day results and long lasting whiteness makes the cost well worth it. Additionally, your dentist will provide you with a custom fitted bleaching tray and gel to use at home, more effective than one-size-fits-all, over-the-counter bleaching trays. And, finally, for those really tough stains that cannot be whitened, your cosmetic dentist can suggest other treatments, such as:

To learn more about the Zoom! teeth whitening system, please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, Michigan to schedule your private, free consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin.

Treatments for TMD

2009-05-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a source of chronic pain for many, and can result in severe tooth wear, fractures of your teeth and restorations, and tooth loss.

TMD sufferers experience different types of head and face pain, including:

Headaches and migraines
Neck pain
Jaw pain and soreness
Jaw or neck stiffness
Facial pain
Forehead pain
Cluster headaches
Sinus-like headaches
Scalp tenderness
Mouth, face, cheek, or chin pain
Dizziness or vertigo
Tongue pain

The cause of these symptoms is often a misaligned bite that requires diagnosis and treatment using neuromuscular dentistry to find the best, most relaxed position for the upper and lower jaw, then re-teaching the jaw how to rest in this more efficient position. Neuromuscular dentistry uses sophisticated computer analysis to diagnose TMD, treat the symptoms, and relieve the pain. Diagnosis begins with Electromyograph, tracking jaw muscle activity to find the perfect position and establish the correct bite. Other TMD treatments include:

Physical therapy
Surgical remedies
Cosmetic dentistry
Oral appliances
Medication
TENS electrical stimulation

Do you wish your head, neck and face pain was nothing more than a faraway memory? At Rochester Advanced Dentistry, we understand. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffery Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin, experienced neuromuscular dentists who have helped hundreds of patients just like you get back to enjoying life again pain-free.

What causes snoring and what are the treatments?

Snoring occurs when airflow is constricted at the back of the mouth and nose. Typically, the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse during sleep. This causes vibrations that create the sound of snoring.

Individuals who snore might also suffer from:

Poor oral muscle tone
Large tonsils and adenoids
Being overweight
Rarely, a cyst or tumor is the problem
An opening between the nose and throat that is too narrow
A uvula (the ‘bell’ in the back of the throat) is too long
Chronic ‘stuffy’ nose from hay fever, a cold a sinus infection, etc.
Deformities of the nose or nasal septum

Snoring Treatments

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The CPAP machine uses a mask worn over the face during sleep, into which pressurized air is blown to keep your airway from collapsing during sleep

Dental Devices

Dental devices resemble an athletic mouth guards and assists in opening the airway by gently repositioning your lower jaw or tongue in a more forward position during sleep.

Surgery

Certain surgeries can help by surgically removing tissues in the throat or correcting throat abnormalities to increase airway size.

Some of the surgeries are:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP)
Tonsillectomy
Adenoidectomy

If your snoring has become more than a minor annoyance to you and your family, perhaps surgical or other medical intervention is needed. Begin by scheduling an appointment with a physician or dentist qualified in diagnosing and treating this disorder. In Rochester, Michigan, Rochester Advanced Dentistry assists snorers with getting the help they need. Our professional team would welcome your visit. Please contact Drs. Doolin and Haddad for a private consultation.

Neuromuscular dentistry and TMD

2009-02-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed a popping or clicking of your jaw? How about unexplained ringing in your ears? Perhaps you’re suffering from migraines, neck and back pain or other unusual symptoms that seem to have no explanation.

You may be suffering from TMD, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. TMD occurs when your upper and lower jaws become misaligned, forcing your bite out of its natural position. Where general dentistry addresses typical problems associated with your teeth and gums, Neuromuscular Dentistry is specifically used to determine the perfect resting position for your jaw, adjusting your jaw to relieve pain and discomfort.

Despite the fact that TMD is a common condition, diagnosis and treatment requires an expert to perform the delicate and precise jaw alignment necessary to alleviate your symptoms. Because the misalignment of TMD is often difficult to note using traditional methods of observation, experts specializing in Neuromuscular Dentistry use sophisticated diagnostics for the most effective treatment, which includes:

Testing the jaw joint
Testing the sounds of the jaw joint
Recording and analyzing muscle activity
Recording and analyzing muscle movements

This refined method of analysis is the basis of your customized treatment plan designed to correct your misaligned bite and end the symptoms causing you pain, with no need for potentially harmful medication.

If you or a loved one is suffering needlessly from the symptoms of TMJ, please contact a neuromuscular dentist in your area. In Rochester, Michigan, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin at Rochester Advanced Dentistry.

TMD and its Symptoms

2008-11-06T07:01:00.001-08:00

TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a painful, potentially debilitating disorder that occurs when an individual’s bite becomes misaligned. A misaligned bite is called malocclusion, and can cause a host of symptoms for the sufferer, requiring diagnosis and treatment through Neuromuscular Dentistry. Neuromuscular dentistry is a dental specialty that uses sophisticated testing methods to uncover the extent of the malocclusion and determine how to adjust the individual’s bite to the most relaxed position in an effort to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Symptoms of TMD can include:

Headaches and migraines
Neck pain
Jaw pain and soreness
Jaw or neck stiffness
Facial pain
Forehead pain
Cluster headaches
Sinus-like headaches
Scalp tenderness
Mouth, face, cheek, or chin pain
Dizziness or vertigo
Tongue pain

Additional issues related to TMD include:

Severe wear and tear of the teeth
Teeth fractures
Tooth loss

These issues occur because the TMD sufferer unconsciously grinds and clenches their teeth at night, applying extreme pressure and wearing down the teeth.

Left untreated, the symptoms of TMD can worsen, affecting more than the jaw and mouth. In fact, your overall dental and medical health can be negatively affected. However, your neuromuscular dentist can permanently restore your bite to its proper alignment, helping you to avoid the symptoms of neuromuscular dysfunction, using a variety of:

Medications
Orthotic devices
Dental improvements

To learn more about TMD, contact the experienced neuromuscular dentists of Rochester Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, Michigan.

Reliving the ESPY's

2008-10-22T16:59:00.001-07:00

Dr. Jeff Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin were invited to the 2008 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles this year to showcase the new athletic performance enhancing Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM). At this prestigious event, they had the opportunity to meet and socialize with many of the biggest athletic superstars in the world.

Athletes, especially, are benefitting from the PPM™ because by holding the jaw in its optimal position, the PPM™ results in improved vertebrae alignment, better balance, and increased upper body strength. This revolutionary jaw appliance is being discovered by some of the top athletes in every sport and anyone who is serious about improving their athleticism is a prime candidate for the Pure Power Mouthguard.

Some of the athletes that were present at the ESPY's were Superbowl champion quarterback Eli Manning, Terrell Owens, Braylon Edwards, Brady Quinn, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Florida football coach Urban Meyer, Plaxico Burress, World Cup Downhill skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, and NBA champion Boston Celitic Ray Allen.

Since the ESPY's, Dr. Haddad and Dr. Doolin have personally fit Terrell Owens, Braylon Edwards, Brady Quinn and Lindsey Vonn with the PPM. "Watching our favorite football stars using our appliance has been amazing!" says Haddad. The Pure Power Mouthguard is based on neuromuscular dentistry which Drs Haddad and Doolin focus on in their practice. The same muscle relaxation and technology is what they use to treat patients with migraine headaches, jaw pain, and TMJ or TMD. They have fit numerous other athletes, professional and amateur, with the Pure Power Mouthguard and they are seeing significant improvements in strength, range of motion, and balance.

For more information, please go to rochesteradvanceddentistry.com

How does Laser Tooth Whitening Work?

2008-10-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

While all of us begin life with nice white teeth, our daily habits take a toll over time and, as adults, we may discover our teeth appear closer to a yellowish or gray color.

Over-the-counter home teeth whitening systems offer basic whitening that may be helpful for a special event or one-time brightening. But the results simply do not last long enough and are not strong enough to make much of a difference.

Bleaching trays are another good alternative. Bleaching trays provided by your dentist are custom-fitted to your mouth and use a special bleaching gel that can be very effective. But the process takes about an hour a night and results take 7-14 days, and sometimes that’s just too long to wait.

Thank goodness for laser teeth whitening with the Zoom! Whitening System! Zoom! offers immediate results in less than two hours in your dentist’s office. For that stunning smile so sought after by so many, Zoom! Whitening System is the best solution.

Clinical studies show that Zoom! is safe and effective for whitening, and offers an improvement in whiteness up to eight-shades in just one visit. And Zoom! doesn’t cause as much sensitivity as some other methods of laser whitening.

Rochester Advanced Dentistry has happily helped hundreds of patients just like you to achieve the dazzling white smile everyone desires but few possess. Zoom! is quick, affordable, and reliable. Please contact us today to schedule your Zoom! Whitening procedure. Get in…get out…get smiling!

Browse our Before & After Gallery for amazing results!

What is endodontics?

2008-09-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what is inside your tooth? You might be surprised to know that your teeth have roots. The root of your tooth, along with dental pulp, veins, arteries and nerves, make up the inside of your tooth. In fact, if you’ve ever had a toothache, the pain you feel means the nerves of your tooth are working, telling you something is wrong.

This is where endodontics comes into the picture. Endodontics is another word for root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is used when the root of your tooth has become infected or decayed and needs to be removed. Years ago, root canals were very painful and required more than one visit to the dentist. Today’s advanced dental technology has made root canal a quick and virtually painless procedure.

Why is it important to have a root canal? The decay and bacteria inside your tooth must be removed, and your tooth must be filled with clean dental filler, or you may be at risk for losing the tooth completely.

The practice of endodontics is a highly specialized field that requires unique training and experience, because the inside of the tooth and the decay that can occur there can be a complex issue. If you’re in need of root canal therapy, be sure to choose a dentist with specialization in endodontics for expert management and the best outcome for your endodontic procedure.

In Rochester, Michigan, Dr. Jeffrey Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin of Rochester Advanced Dentistry assists patients in root canal therapy via endodontics. With vast experience and superior training, you can be sure your procedure will go smoothly, saving your tooth and restoring your dental health. Please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry today.

How are porcelain veneers applied?

2008-08-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

For a bright, white, beautifully straight smile, very few dental procedures can beat the beauty, durability and ease of application of porcelain veneers. These thin porcelain shells are bonded directly to each tooth, correcting a variety of imperfections that can prevent you from having a dazzling smile.

Porcelain is an extremely durable material that offers a highly natural look and feel. Porcelain resists decay and staining and can:

Correct gaps between teeth
Lengthen and reshape teeth
Repair chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth
Cover stains and discolorations

The process of preparing your teeth, creating impressions, and fitting your veneers takes 2 or 3 dental visits. Your most important task is to choose a qualified and experienced dentist to perform the procedure for the best results. In Rochester, Michigan, Rochester Advanced Dentistry’s Dr. Jeffrey Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin have the experience, training and personal interest in you to ensure your porcelain veneers provide you with a superb smile that exceeds your expectations.

You’ll begin your journey towards a more beautiful smile by contacting us to schedule your free, private consultation. At that time, Dr. Haddad or Dr. Doolin will listen to your needs and evaluate your teeth and oral health. Then we’ll offer our best recommendations to help you meet your goals. Porcelain veneers have brought exciting changes for many people previously embarrassed by their smiles. Why not contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry today to get started?

Pure Power Mouth Guard™ Improves Alignment and Performance

2008-07-16T08:18:00.001-07:00

The Pure Power Mouth Guard™ is an exciting innovation in neuromuscular dentistry that helps to keep the jaw in its optimal position, thereby improving balance, vertebrae alignment, and upper body strength. The PPM™ is being used by athletes all over the country and is resulting in marked improvement in athletic performance in many different sports.

How is this different from conventional mouthguards?

Conventional mouthguards are ONLY meant to protect a person from injury to their teeth. No attention is paid to how a person’s lower jaw contacts it. The resulting jaw position is often very strained and can hinder an athlete’s upper body strength, balance, flexibility, and range of motion. The traditional “boil and bite” mouthguards actually can place a person into an even more strained posture than with no mouthguard at all. The arbitrary bite that these appliances place an athlete into can reduce their body’s efficiency resulting in poorer performance.

The Pure Power Edge and Pure Power Mouthguard are orthopedic jaw positioning appliances, not mouthguards. Although, they can serve to protect an athlete against dental trauma and concussions, their primary function is to place a person into his/her most relaxed and idealized jaw position. When a person’s jaw is in its most ideal, muscularly comfortable position, the upper cervical spine is in perfect alignment and the upper torso muscles will function at their maximum potential. With the body working at this increased efficiency, an athlete will experience an increase in balance, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. This is based completely on science.

How is a person’s optimal jaw position found?

Drs. Doolin and Haddad are certified Pure Power Mouth Guard™ dentists who are able to determine your best possible jaw position through computerized tracking of your jaw and using a TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electro Neural Stimulation) to relax your facial muscles.

The TENS machine helps to relax your facial and jaw muscles allowing them to assume their most balanced, non-stressed posture. Then with computerized jaw tracking and measuring of your muscle activity, Drs Doolin and Haddad will determine your proper jaw position, based solely on your own body’s physiology. Your PPM™ is fitted returning your muscles to this optimal position when the appliance is in your mouth. When your PPM™ is in and your jaw is in its optimal position, the muscles surrounding the area are no longer stressed, giving you a comfortable bite, improved balance, and increased upper body strength.

What is the difference between the Pure Power Edge and the Pure Power Mouthguard?

Pure Power EdgeThere are two versions of Pure Power Appliances. Your doctor creates an appliance designed for non-impact sports like baseball, golf, soccer, and weight lifting that is worn on the lower jaw. This is called the Pure Power Edge (Displayed on the left). This device is also used while training for impact sports, because it is less cumbersome than the upper appliance PPM. Drs Doolin and Haddad will determine your proper jaw position, based solely on your own body’s physiology. Your Pure Power Edge is fitted returning your muscles to this optimal position when the appliance is in your mouth. When your PPM™ is in and your jaw is in its optimal position, the muscles surrounding the area are no longer stressed, giving you a comfortable bite, improved balance, and increased upper body strength.

The Pure Power MouthguardThe second type of appliance, called the Pure Power Mouthguard (Displayed on the right), is designed for impact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse and the martial arts, and protects against impact trauma to the teeth and concussion injuries. While protecting your teeth and jaw, it is also designed to hold your jaw in its most relaxed and comfortable position, allowing your upper torso muscles to work at their maximum potential, resulting in increases in range of motion, flexibility, and strength.

Neuromuscular dentistry is area of dentistry that strives to alleviate headaches, neck and shoulder pain, jaw pain, clicking or popping noises of the jaw, and ringing of the ears by achieving better alignment of the jaw. Misalignment of the bite is known as “malocclusion” and can be very painful. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the connection between jaw muscles and joints and your posture.

If you have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), then you are very familiar with the above-mentioned painful symptoms and you have known, perhaps, decades of painful jaw movement. Now, there is another treatment option available to you.

Dr. Kurt Doolin and Dr. Jeff Haddad are certified Pure Power Mouth Guard™ dentists who are able to determine your best possible jaw position using computerized tracking of your jaw with a TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electro Neural Stimulation).

To learn more about the PPM™, please contact our Rochester, Michigan dental office (North of Detroit) today to schedule your initial consultation.

What is involved with a smile makeover?

2008-06-18T08:27:00.003-07:00

Like so many of today’s families, yours is probably a very busy one. Sometimes, taking care of ourselves gets pushed to the background to make room for so many other responsibilities. Then one day, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, and it is immediately evident that you’ve been neglecting a few things. Would you be surprised to know that going to the dentist is one of those things?

It’s true. Going to the dentist for regular care, or perhaps for a complete Smile Makeover, is sometimes sent to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to take care of those you love, right? Let’s find out more about a Smile Makeover to see if it can put the spring back in your step.

A Smile Makeover encompasses a wide variety of dental treatments, designed to fix several issues at once and provide you with a celebrity-worthy smile. Whether you’re unhappy with the shape of your teeth, the size of your gums, gaps, crooked teeth, uneven teeth, or stained teeth, the Smile Makeover can fix all those issues and more, using such advanced dental technologies as:

Best of all, cost is not a factor that will hold you back from achieving the perfect smile, because very affordable financing is available to make your dream come true.

Isn’t it time you did something for yourself? The experienced and professional team at Rochester Advanced Dentistry is interested in getting to know you- your dental health and your goals- and devising the comprehensive, customized treatment plan that works for you and you alone. Find out how a Smile Makeover can help you begin a whole new phase of your life. Please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry today to begin your journey to a gorgeous new smile!

What is “Instant Orthodontics”?

2008-06-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

Instant Orthodontics is a wonderful example of how the latest dental technology can solve issues that only a few years ago would have remained untreated.

Instant Orthodontics uses porcelain veneers and other advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures to transform a smile that is crooked, uneven or misaligned. Best of all, it takes only a few short visits to the dentist to create the smile of your dreams without the use of braces.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells placed on the front surfaces of the teeth for an incredibly natural look and feel that is virtually undetectable. Porcelain veneers can dramatically change your tooth’s length, width, color and shape for a beautifully white and straight smile you never thought possible.

During your consultation with your dentist, an impression is made of your teeth. This impression is sent to the dental lab, where a wax model of your new smile is created. After you and your dentist have approved your new look, the lab creates your porcelain veneers, and your dentist will permanently bond the veneers to your natural teeth.

Your dentist may use a variety of dental technologies to assist in the creation of your new smile, including:

IntraOral Camera - a small, pen-like camera that helps the dentist diagnose necessary treatment for each tooth
Digital Imaging - See your new smile before the procedure begins!
Soft Tissue Laser - Used to recontour your gum line or surgically eliminate gaps between front teeth
The Wand - A computer controlled anesthesia device for painless injections

If you’ve spent years suffering from the discomfort and low self esteem that comes with an unattractive smile and wearing braces, consider instant orthodontics. Why not contact Drs. Doolin and Haddad of Rochester Advanced Dentistry today to find out if instant orthodontics is the right solution for you?

How does old age affect teeth and oral health?

2008-06-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

As we age, our teeth are affected. They may change color, change appearance, and become loose due to bone loss. But aging itself does not have to be a reason for our teeth to lose their function. With excellent dental care, your teeth can continue to look good and function well far into the aging process.

Many things can stain teeth over time, including:

Smoking
Coffee and tea drinking
Certain food, such as berries, that can stain the teeth
Wine drinking
Certain medications

But let’s say for a moment that you somehow managed to avoid these substances. What else could affect your teeth? Well, teeth enamel begins to thin with age, causing a gray color and less lustrous appearance. Thinning enamel causes greater risk of decay as well. This alone is good enough reason to seek a solution.

Regardless of your age, you’re never too old to enjoy a beautiful new smile. Porcelain veneers are the perfect solution to aging teeth. Wafer-thin, lustrous shells of porcelain affixed to the front of your teeth, porcelain veneers can create a gorgeous set of pearly whites that will make you look younger and feel younger, as well as helping to restore teeth function and preventing decay.

Porcelain veneers are completely safe, easy to apply and affordable. If you’ve been considering a fast, pain-free way to bring back your youthful smile, porcelain veneers may be exactly the solution you’ve been seeking. Please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry today to schedule your free, private consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Haddad or Dr. Kurt Doolin to find out if porcelain veneers are the right solution for you.

What causes cavities? How are they treated?

2008-06-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are holes in the teeth. Tooth decay is a common condition in both children and adults. Caused by bacteria, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, which may require treatment with a dental implant.

Cavities begin when bacteria forms on the teeth in a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque adheres to the teeth and, if not brushed and flossed away, it becomes tartar, a harder substance that irritates the gums and leads to periodontal disease called gingivitis. Additionally, plaque contains an acid that slowly dissolves the tooth’s enamel surface, creating the hole we call a cavity. Usually, we do not realize we have cavities until they grow larger and begin to destroy the nerve inside the tooth, causing pain.

Interestingly, plaque begins developing on the teeth within twenty minutes after eating. This is why dentists frequently remind us to brush and floss immediately after eating. If you cannot brush and floss right away, be sure to develop a solid routine of good oral home care that includes regular brushing and flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouth rinse if possible. Of course, visiting your dentist once every six months is a wonderful form of prevention as well.

Foolds high in sugar and starch contribute to tooth decay. Sticky foods, like candy and other snack foods are also culprits. If you eat sticky foods and snack frequently, adjust your home care routine to include additional brushing, and be sure to floss properly to get into all those hidden places around your teeth and under the gum line where bacteria is fond of forming.

Cavity Treatment

If a cavity forms on a tooth, your dentist will first remove the decay and then fill the hole with a porcelain tooth-colored filling or a composite resin. If decay is severe, you may also require a porcelain crown. In some cases, root canal therapy is needed to remove the center of the tooth where nerves, pulp and blood vessels may have also decayed. Root canal therapy also includes filling the space with tooth-colored filling material or a composite resin, and a crown is always required.

To learn more about tooth decay, visit Rochester Advanced Dentistry. If you think you’re suffering from tooth decay, please schedule a visit with Dr. Jeffery Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin, two highly experienced dentists who can treat your cavity and help you understand how to prevent new cavities from forming in the future.

Fixing a gummy smile

2008-05-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

When your upper gums are more prominent than your teeth, it can be unattractive and embarrassing, as well as making the teeth appear small. This is called a ‘gummy’ smile, generally treated with painless laser oral surgery. The excess tissue is removed, exposing more tooth enamel. The teeth are then bleached with Zoom! laser tooth whitening or receive porcelain veneers, and the results are stunning.

In more severe cases, the cause might not be too much gum tissue but too much bone. To solve this problem, a cosmetic ‘gum lift’ can surgically remove excess bone, customizing the gum tissue to meet the higher gum line. This is generally followed with porcelain veneers or, occasionally, metal free, all-porcelain crowns.

Why suffer with a gummy smile when you can enjoy a youthful, beautiful smile so easily? In fact, treating your gummy smile can be just one phase of a complete smile makeover!

Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Jeffrey Haddad and Dr. Kurt Doolin at Rochester Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, MI can redesign your smile in total comfort, with a variety of solutions that include the solutions we’ve just discussed, as well as these state-of-the-art dental restoration procedures:

If fear of the dentist is holding you back, Rochester Advanced Dentistry offers specialized sedation services to help you get the dental care you need without fear. If the cost is causing you to avoid regular dental care, affordable financing is also available to suit your budget.

What is a TENS machine? How is it used for TMD?

2008-03-31T12:02:00.001-07:00

TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ) affects quality of life and is a source of chronic pain for many people. TMD can produce symptoms such as:

Teeth grinding or clenching
Head and neck pain
Sore jaws while chewing
Pops or clicks in jaw joints
Ear congestion
Ear ringing (tinnitus)
Vertigo (dizziness)
Sensitive teeth
Severe wear and tear on teeth
Tooth fracture
Tooth loss

Neuromuscular dentistry is the art and science of finding your relaxed jaw position (correct bite) using high-tech Electromyograph (EMG) to track jaw muscle activity and find the perfect position of rest. Treatments are then devised to make this position permanent and eliminate painful TMD symptoms. Some of the ways we can treat TMD include:

Neuromuscular appliances called “orthotics”

Cosmetic dentistry
TENS electrical stimulation
Medication
Physical Therapy
Chiropractics

First, we will measure the muscle activity and tension in your facial muscles with our Myotronics electromyography equipment. After gathering the base levels of muscle activity, we will then use a TENS machine to relax your muscles. TENS electrical stimulation sends a mild, ultra-low frequency pulse into your jaw muscles to relax the muscles and reduce pain. This process will free them of increased lactic acid and by-products that are causing your pain and discomfort.When you come in for your TMD treatment, you will wear the TENS unit for about 45-60 minutes. When your TENS treatment is completed, we repeat the electromyography to determine the degree of relaxation of your muscles.

When we have confirmed your jaw muscles are relaxed and your bite is in good position, we use TENS electrical stimulation together with jaw tracking equipment to show us the best jaw position where your jaw joints and muscles are most stable and comfortable when resting, chewing, talking and swallowing.

At that time, we will have a neuromuscular orthotic appliance fabricated to this exact pain-free jaw position. Your orthotic therapy will continue over the next 3-4 months with adjustments every 4-8 weeks until your pain is significantly decreased or completely relieved. Some of our patients even decide to have their bites permanently rebuilt to this comfortable position after the completion of orthotic therapy. This process called full mouth reconstruction, will keep you comfortable and pain-free as well as giving you the smile of your dreams.

If you are suffering silently with TMD, don’t wait to contact us to get on the road to recovery. Our highly trained neuromuscular dentists and team are waiting to assist you!

Fixing a Chipped Tooth

2008-03-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

click to zoom

View Our Other Veneer PatientsAre chipped teeth ruining your smile? How about your dental health? Even the most minor chips can put your teeth at risk for further damage, ultimately affecting your oral health, not to mention your budget. It makes sense to protect your natural teeth with today’s most advanced options available through the premier dental office of Rochester Advanced Dentistry including:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, thin shells that cover tooth imperfections, can easily correct chipped teeth. Veneers are becoming increasingly popular because they not only correct tooth imperfections, but they permanently whiten teeth as well.

Bonding

Many imperfections, including chips can be corrected with bonding, a plastic resin applied to your teeth, then buffed and sculpted into an attractive shape that matches your natural teeth.

Tooth Contouring & Reshaping

This ‘instant’ fix removes a bit of existing tooth enamel, replacing it with a small amount of bonding material to mold a brand new tooth.

At Rochester Advance Dentistry, Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad work tirelessly to provide patients just like you with the minor and major procedures you need most to create your perfect smile. Both of our dentists are LVI-trained and continuously update their skills with ongoing education in the latest dental techniques and procedures. That’s why we’re so confident to place you in their capable hands for any procedure you require. Why not give us a call today to schedule your free consultation?

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

2008-01-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

At Rochester Advanced Dentistry, we view cosmetic dentistry as both the area of dentistry that beautifies your teeth and improves their function, and as the most creative and fun part of what we do. Whatever smile problems may be troubling you, whether minor or major, Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad can find your perfect solution using one or a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Choose from Porcelain veneers, Dental bonding, Porcelain crowns, Tooth whitening, fillings and laser gum treatment to greatly enhance the health and look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry is safe, and we use only modern, thoroughly tested techniques and equipment during your cosmetic treatment of choice.

We’d like to stress the importance of choosing the right cosmetic dentist in order to achieve the results you’re looking for. While there are a lot of dentists competing for your business in Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy and Oakland, Macomb and Shelby Townships, Rochester Advanced Dentistry is uniquely prepared to deliver amazing service along with beautiful cosmetic dentistry results at a cost you can be comfortable with. Learn about our affordable financing options.