Dr. Brian Hale

Get Checked By an LVI Graduate

2009-07-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

A neuromuscular dentist who graduated from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is one of the most highly trained dentists in the field.

An LVI graduate can help alleviate symptoms of the painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD). These symptoms can range from headaches and jaw pain to difficulty chewing and pain radiating down your neck and into your shoulders.

Millions of Americans suffer from the symptoms of TMD, but are unaware what the underlying cause is. Often times, their symptoms are either misdiagnosed or dismissed as having no physiological cause.

An LVI graduate has the training and expertise to not only identify your condition, but to develop a treatment plan to alleviate your painful symptoms. Whether it's wearing an orthotic at night to align your bite, or the use of dental crowns or inlays and onlays to raise your teeth so that your bite is at a relaxed position, you will be able to find relief with the help of an LVI graduate.

Please contact LVI graduate Dr. Brian Hale today to set up your consultation.

Unable to See a Neuromuscular Dentist Immediately?

2009-06-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) it is important that you see a neuromuscular dentist as soon as possible.

But if you are unable to see a dentist immediately, here are some home remedies you can try to alleviate TMD-related pain:

Hold an ice pack on your painful spots for ten minutes, at least three times a day. This will help with the inflammation.

When speaking on the phone, hold the telephone with your hand instead of propping it between your chin and neck.

Sleep on your side or your back. Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for TMD.

Make sure your diet is well-balanced, consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, fish, etc. Stay away from hard-to-chew foods like apples, corn on the cob and similar foods that will aggravate your temporomandibular joint.

Be aware of your posture at all times, and maintain good posture while standing and sitting. When you are sitting, refrain from resting your chin on your hand.

When you are yawning, place your fist underneath your jaw to ensure you are not opening your mouth too wide.

These remedies can provide only temporary relief. Be sure to visit a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Brian Hale to properly diagnose and treat your condition. Please contact our office today to set up your consultation.

Neuromuscular Dentistry, a Step Beyond

2009-05-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

While general dentistry focuses primarily on your teeth, bones, and gums, neuromuscular dentistry takes a more comprehensive approach to treating dental disorders. To determine the proper treatment, a neuromuscular dentist will evaluate your mouth’s:

Hard tissues
Soft tissues
Muscles
Nerves
Teeth
Bones
Gums

If a problem is detected, neuromuscular dentistry takes into account your posture, breathing, habits and reasons why your teeth and facial features are the way they are. Tests can be performed to find your jaw's ideal resting position, and locate the source of your jaw's misalignment.
From there, a neuromuscular dentist can work to realign your bite and alleviate any pain you may be feeling if your jaw is out of alignment.

If you would like a proper diagnosis of your condition and you live in the San Antonio area, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to schedule your initial consultation.

What Is the Instant Orthodontics Process?

2009-04-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

The average instant orthodontic process takes four dental appointments, and is completed over the course of roughly a month.

The process begins with an evaluation to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

In the second appointment, the procedure begins. Instant orthodontic procedures that involve dental veneers require your teeth to be grinded down in order to place the veneer. Your teeth will be prepared and a mold of your teeth will be taken and sent to a laboratory where your permanent veneers will be created. Temporary veneers will be placed on your prepped teeth until the permanent ones can be placed.

Your laboratory-crafted veneers will be crafted and ready for you by your third appointment. During this visit, the correct color and shade of your new veneers will be selected to match your natural teeth. Once the correct color is chosen, the veneers will be permanently attached to your teeth with dental cement. A light beam will then harden the cement and permanently secure your new veneers.

The final appointment is a check-up, and will occur about two weeks after your veneers have been placed. This appointment will ensure that you are comfortable with your new restorations and will address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile and you live in the San Antonio area, please call cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Hale now to set up your consultation.

Don’t Upset the Trigeminal Nerve!

2009-03-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

The reason that your temporomandibular joint and your jaw muscles cause migraine-intensity headaches is because of its close association with your trigeminal nerve.

One of the most complex and powerful nerves in your body, the trigeminal nerve is responsible for the functions of your jaw and teeth. This nerve also provides sensation and function to your:

Face
Jaws
Tongue
Palate
Sinuses
Eyes
Lips

The trigeminal nerve accounts for more than 40 percent of the brain's processing. This means that your brain spends almost half its time trying to determine that the trigeminal nerve is transmitting and receiving. This nerve also controls certain areas of your brain by itself.

The trigeminal nerve is also connected to the three main nerves that control sensation and function of nearly all the muscles in your neck, head and throat. Therefore, distressing any one of these nerves has a direct impact on the others, which leads to a headache.

If you live in the San Antonio area and have been suffering from unexplained migraines, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to schedule your consultation.

Common Causes for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

2009-02-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD)) is a group of complex problems stemming from your jaw joint. Because muscles and joints of your jaw bone work together, a problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, ear pain and malocclusion (bad bite). Below are some common factors that can lead to TMD:

Teeth grinding and teeth clenching (called bruxism). This action can increase the wear on the cartilage lining of your temporomandibular joint. You may be unaware of this behavior, but you can ask someone to observe you while you are sleeping or ask a dentist to check for the wear patterns on your teeth. If you awake in the morning with jaw pain or sensitivity, you may be grinding your jaw while you sleep.

Trauma to your jaw. Previous blows to the jaw or impact injuries can lead to TMD
Dental problems and misalignment of the teeth, also known as a bad bite. If you have ever found it hard to find a comfortable bite or relaxing position of your jaw, this may indicate TMD.
Routine tasks like holding the phone between your head and shoulder can contribute to TMD.
Stress. Sometimes people under a great deal of stress get rid of their nervous energy by grinding and/or clenching their teeth.
Excessive gum chewing or fingernail biting

If you believe you are suffering from TMD and you live in the San Antonio area, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today. We can schedule your consultation over the phone and help you achieve a pain-free lifestyle quickly.

Pulling the Trigger on Pain

2009-01-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

The most common type of pain associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is myofascial pain. This kind of pain is caused by a trigger point, which is an irritable spot in your muscle that is painful to the touch. Trigger points are located either in your muscles or in the junction of the muscle and fascia (connective tissue).

Since nerves often pass through many muscles, the pain you feel from trigger points may be far from the muscle that it originates. This is called “referred pain.” If you suffer from TMD, you probably have these trigger points in the muscles inside of your mouth.

Trigger points are the reason you may feel TMD pain in your neck, back, shoulders and even as far as your arms and hands.

Treating the individual symptoms will only provide temporary relief. In order for the pain to fully subside, you should contact a neuromuscular dentist and fix the root of the problem, TMD, to alleviate your pain indefinitely.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain and you live in the San Antonio area, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to set up your consultation.

Tips for Dental Care During Pregnancy

2008-12-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Good dental habits are important for your overall health, especially if you’re pregnant. Pregnant women suffering from fluctuating hormones and food cravings are more susceptible to plaque buildup and irritated gums. Many pregnant women suffer from frequent outbreaks of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis.

Oral Hygiene
Many women deny their oral health for financial reasons or because they’re too busy caring for their children. But dental hygiene is important not only for the mother but also for her unborn child. A mother suffering from chronic periodontitis increases the risk for preeclampsia and low birthweight babies. Tooth loss is also a possibility.

Most dental diseases are preventable simply by practicing good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits:

Maintain a well-balanced diet
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with flouride toothpaste
Floss once a day
Use only ADA approved oral healthcare products
Continue getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

Many dentists recommend more frequent cleanings during the second or early third trimester to control gingivitis.

In San Antonio, Texas, if you’re pregnant and need a cleaning and check-up, please see the oral health specialists at Hale Dental. Please contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.

What are Sports Mouth Guards?

2008-11-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

If you’re involved in a sports activity that requires flying, falling or contact with another athlete, than you need a mouth guard. This includes football, hockey, mountain biking, skateboarding, and baseball – all activities that may result in a mouth injury.

A traditional mouth guard covers up the upper teeth protecting the lips, mouth and teeth. If you have dental work on your lower jaw, such as braces or a bridge, your dentist may recommend a sports guard for your lower teeth as well.

Types of Sports Mouth Guards
All mouth guards should be resilient yet comfortable and replaced every season. Here are some options:

Stock Mouth Guards – they are inexpensive and ready to wear. The downside is they may not fit well, are bulky and can make breathing difficult.
Boil & Bite Mouth Guard – easy to find at your local sporting goods store. These pre-formed guards can be altered by boiling them in water then biting them into a customized fit just for you.
Custom-made mouth guards – for your best protection and fit, there’s nothing better than a customized mouth guard. You dentist makes an impression of your teeth creating a perfect fit just for your mouth. This is the most expensive sports mouth guard option.

In San Antonio, Texas, learn more about sports mouth guards at Hale Dental. Please contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.

Abscesses

2008-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you’ve got a fever, swollen lymph nodes and a throbbing tooth, you may have an abscess. An abscess can form in any part of the body including the mouth.

In the mouth, bacteria enter the gum tissues or root of the tooth through food or debris, permeating deep into the dental pulp infecting the nerve. A boil then forms and if it isn’t drained, the infection can spread to the head and neck and be life threatening.

You’ll know if the abscess ruptures when foul-tasting fluid rushes into your mouth.
The pain will decrease significantly but dental treatment is still necessary because the cause of the abscess still needs to be eliminated.

Treatment
Your dentist can recommend the best option for you ranging from a salt-water rinse to an antibiotic or surgery. You should have an x-ray within six months to be sure the bone and tissue areas have filled in where the abscess was. If there hasn’t been improvement, an endodontist can surgically remove the abscess or a periodontist can reshape the gum to prevent further abscess invasion.

In San Antonio, Texas, be sure to see the abscess specialists at Hale Dental. Please contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.

Energy Drinks Cause Tooth Erosion

2008-09-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our favorite drinks, whether diet or regular, may be destroying our teeth. The PH levels of consumer beverages are acidic and eat away the tooth’s enamel. Root beer, ice tea, diet sodas and energy drinks are all contributing to enamel erosion.

Another factor tooth erosion hazard is the beverage’s “buffering capacity” which neutralizes acid. High-energy sports drinks have one of the highest buffering capacities and are one of the most popular of all consumer beverages. It’s become the new coffee as sales for sports drinks continue to rise expecting to hit the $20-billion dollar mark by 2010.

Adolescents and young adults, with their immature porous enamel, are particularly susceptible to acid attack by sodas and sports drinks. Their diet includes a higher quantity of acidic drinks increasing their chances of extensive dental damage, which in the future could require full mouth rehabilitation

There are some practices that can slow down the enamel invasion:

Position the straw at the back of the mouth to avoid liquids on the teeth
Rinse the mouth with water after drinking acidic beverages
Limit intake of sodas, teas and sports drinks
See your dentist and get a check-up every 6 months.

In San Antonio, Texas, please get your oral health checked at Hale Dental. We’ll give you the personalized attention and care you deserve.

Injured Tooth – What Should I Do?

2008-08-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

If your tooth is chipped, broken or knocked out, contact your dentist immediately. Take some pain pills and gather what’s left of your injured tooth and take it with you to the dentist’s office.

Here are the different treatment options available to you depending on the severity of the tooth loss:

Chipped Tooth
If the chip is small, your dentist can smooth out the damage and cosmetically correct it. There are other restorative techniques available for more significant chips including veneers, crowns and fillings.

Broken or Cracked Tooth
If you’re having sensitivity to cold liquids, air or pain while chewing, you may have a cracked tooth. An x-ray is needed to determine the extent of the damage. If there is a crack, it needs to be corrected immediately to prevent further damage. Options include crowns, tooth extraction and/or a root canal.

Knocked-out Tooth
To save the tooth, it’s crucial to get to the dentist with your tooth immediately. With each passing minute root cells are dying. If you get to the dentist within 30 minutes to two hours the tooth can be re-implanted into the socket. If you can, clean and place your tooth back into position on the way to the dentist’s office. After re-implantation, you may need a root canal after the tooth is stable.

In San Antonio, Texas, please see the dental specialists at Hale Dental. We’ll give you the personalized attention and care you deserve.

Mercury Filling May Harm Pregnant Women and Kids

2008-07-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer’s, kidney damage and multiple sclerosis are diseases you wouldn’t typically associate with dental health. But “Mom’s Against Mercury,” and many other consumer advocate groups, say otherwise.

“Mom’s” is one of many concerned citizen groups echoing the FDA’s warning on the hazards of amalgam fillings. Mercury amalgam has been the most popular dental filling material for the past century.

Dental amalgam is 40 percent mercury and is a neurotoxin according to the EPA. It’s a material that interferes with brain development and cognitive and motor skills. Over 100-million Americans have dental fillings made of mercury. Many dentists still support the use of mercury amalgam because it’s stronger, cheaper and lasts longer than alternative materials.

The FDA recently released a warning that the following people are particularly vulnerable to mercury’s harmful effects:

Pregnant and nursing women
Unborn children
Young children
People with immune system problems
People sensitive to mercury

In July 2009, the FDA is releasing stricter guidelines on the use of mercury amalgams for dental fillings. Dentists have already reduced their use of mercury fillings by 70%. Alternative materials such as porcelain, composite resins and gold are available now.

In San Antonio, Texas, Hale Dental offers alternative materials for dental fillings. Learn more about your choices and please contact our office. We’ll give you the personalized attention and care you deserve.

Why Opt For No-Drilling, No-Shot Veneers?

2008-06-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Does the sound of the dentist's drill make you cringe? The thought of a shot in your gums make your stomach queasy? Lumineers may be just what you need.

Lumineers are porcelain veneers that offer a shot-free, drill-free way to permanently align and whiten your smile. At Hale Dental, we apply these contact-thin veneers to your teeth without having to grind, shape, shave or transform you teeth in any way. By applying these "smile shapers" over your existing crown or bridgework, your teeth will look radiant without the anxiety.

Lumineers are a permanent cosmetic solution for teeth that are:

Stained
Chipped
Discolored
Misaligned

Made from patented Cerinate porcelain, Lumineers can be applied in two to three visits - and your new smile can last more than 20 years with proper care. And since your natural tooth structure is still in tact, this procedure is complete reversible.

With Lumineers, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and I guarantee you'll walk away with a dazzling smile that constantly turns heads.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio or the surrounding area, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Brian Hale.

What’s All the Fuss About PorcelainCrowns?

2008-05-08T15:04:00.001-07:00

A crown is a dental restoration that covers the surface of your entire tooth. In years past, dental crowns always had to be constructed with a metal foundation. Modern technology has allowed these crowns to be created from pure porcelain, ceramic, or aesthetic reinforced resins.

A dental crown on your front tooth is necessary when a good portion of the tooth is gone or a majority of your biting edge is gone. This can be the result of:

Large old fillings
Tooth fracture
A large area of tooth decay

There are still instances on the back teeth when the durability of a metal crown makes it the restoration of choice. But for crowns that show, wouldn’t you prefer a crown that looks as natural as your tooth enamel?

Porcelain crown has several benefits. Like all crowns, they cover and protect your tooth. But in addition, a porcelain crown is:

Strong and durable
Beautiful, with the life-like translucency of natural teeth
Healthier for your teeth and gums because the edge of the natural-looking porcelain doesn’t need to be hidden under the gum line

A porcelain crown is precision-crafted in a dental laboratory, so it usually takes at least two appointments to restore your tooth with this natural-appearing crown.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio or the surrounding area, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Brian Hale.

Sedation Dentistry

2008-04-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Although you remain awake during the sedation process, sedation dentistry is sometimes categorized as sleep dentistry. But this term is misleading.

Patients who are sedated during a cosmetic dental procedure are just that: sedated. Because of the effects of the sedation medication, you will feel sleepy. But you will not actually sleep during the procedure.

If you have complex medical problems, and cannot receive sedation, an anesthesiologist may administer a medication that induces a deeper sleep—where you are unaware of what is going on around you and are actually sleeping during the procedure. This is not sedation dentistry, but instead going under a general anesthesia.

Dental Anxiety

Some children and older patients have a natural fear of the dentist. Others who have had a traumatic dental experience may be unwilling to seek treatment. Often times, these patients find that their anxiety is eased when they undergo procedures while in a sleep-like state.

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be administered including:

Oral sedatives
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation
General Anesthesia

These techniques enable fearful patients, who might otherwise avoid the dentist, to receive dental treatment they need.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio or the surrounding area, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation with Brian Hale, D.D.S.

Dental Implants: The Preferred Option to Replace Missing Teeth

2008-03-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

Dental implants are considered the best treatment option to replace missing teeth. Unlike fixed bridges that use adjacent teeth as anchors or dentures that rest on the gum line, dental implants are long-term, effective replacements that are surgically placed in the jawbone.

Nearly 70% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth resulting from:

An accident
Gum disease
A failed root canal
Tooth decay

By the age of 74, more than 25% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. Decades ago, the only choice for these patients would have been a fixed bridge or removable dentures to restore their ability speak clearly, eat and smile with confidence.

But dentures are known to slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or talking. Removable dentures can also lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing.

Because they use your adjacent teeth as anchors, fixed bridges can cause damage to otherwise healthy teeth. For these reasons, removable dentures and fixed bridges often must be replaced every 7 to 15 years. This has left more and more patients and oral surgeons turning to dental implants.

Dental implants are composed of titanium metal that “fuses” with your jawbone through a process called "osseointegration." With this surgical process, dental implants will never:

Slip or shift
Make embarrassing noises, indicating you have “false teeth.”
Decay like teeth-anchoring fixed bridges

If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio or the surrounding area, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation.

Orthodontics and TMD

2008-03-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Two dental words that bring up feelings of dread and anxiety, but wait I bring good news! What could possibly be good and what do they have in common you might ask?

First let me assure you that the old memories of a ‘metal-mouth’ being the only option with orthodontic treatment are long gone. Today we treat virtually all of our orthodontic cases with the Invisalign system; you know those clear Aligners that you wear for two weeks at a time over the course of several months. Not only will your orthodontic treatment be faster, more comfortable, and invisible compared to traditional braces, but you no longer need to alter what you eat (or even having to avoid your favorite foods altogether!) or have such a difficult maintenance routine; perhaps you remember or have heard the horror stories of floss-threaders, broken wires, cheek wax, and the like!

Okay, so what does having straight, pretty, teeth have to do with TMD? Well, very often TMD and all of its horrible symptoms like pain, clicking, headaches, ringing ears, neck and back pain and the rest, are because of the jaw joint (TMJ) being out of position because the teeth are not in the correct place. You see every part of the body is interconnected. To paraphrase the famous children’s song Dry Bones, the thigh bone really is connected to the knee bone. In some cases, by positioning the teeth and stabilizing the occlusion we can alleviate those horrific TMD symptoms.

So for some patients the connection between orthodontics and TMD is everything; the only way to tell is to have a thorough neuromuscular bite evaluation. You may find that orthodontic treatments will give you more than a beautiful smile but a healthier you!

‘til next entry,

Dr. Hale

What is a TENS Machine?

2008-02-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator is an electronic device that produces electrical signals that stimulate nerves through your skin. It is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. There are also battery-operated TENS units that consist of a pulse generator, transformer, frequency and intensity controls and electrodes. In dentistry, the TENS is used as a method of pain relief for patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a very painful, but common, condition relating to a misalignment of the jaw. TMD causes a whole host of symptoms including:

Jaw pain
Jaw tightness
Facial pain
Neck and shoulder pain
Ringing in the ears
Popping and clicking of the jaw
Severe headache
Limited jaw movement
Teeth clenching
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Tender, sensitive teeth

Highly trained neuromuscular dentists such as Dr. Brian Hale use the TENS machine to help their TMD patients find some relief from these painful, chronic symptoms. By aligning the jaw in its optimal position, dentists are able to treat TMD, which, in turn, dramatically improves the lives of their patients.

Muscles of the face and neck are often 'programmed' (propriocepted) to control head and mandibular posture in a way that accommodates occlusion (occlusion is your “bite”), even though that particular occlusion may be less than ideal. Dr. Hale wants to relax these often tense muscles to find their true resting state and establish the occlusion at that position. It is extremely difficult to voluntarily overcome this proprioception, so 'TENS' is used.

If you think you may suffer from TMD and would like to learn more about how TENS can help alleviate your painful symptoms, please contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment. We serve patients in San Antonio and surrounding areas of Texas.

Welcome to Dr. Hale's dental practice

2008-02-20T08:33:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to the first-ever Blog at DrBrianHale.com. Whether you're an existing patient or someone stopping by for a short "Cyber Visit," we're happy to have you! We like the blog format as another way to communicate with you that is hopefully fun and informative. Stay tuned for future entries with announcements, technical updates, and ‘behind-the-scenes’ insights. Also, we’ve opened up the blog for comments from you; we love hearing from our patients!

‘Til next entry,
Dr. Hale