If you have an aching jawbone, the two most likely suspects are Myofacial Pain Syndrome (MPS) or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD). Both of these conditions focus on the muscles of the jaw, with TMJ/TMD involving more than just the muscles.

In addition to pain, symptoms may include the inability to open your mouth wide — or at all. Chewing food is painful and ear pain is another symptom, as are teeth that don’t fit together properly. The causes of these ailments can vary, and include stress in the workplace and challenges in life.

Because TMJ/TMD and MPS are primarily muscle disorders, a resolution of the condition can take time. Relief may include
medication, oral exercises or wearing an oral appliance such as a bite protector or night guard to bed. If medications are prescribed, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs are the most popular remedy. In addition, many dental practices — including ours — treat TMJ/TMD patients with Botox to help the muscles to relax. In that regard, we endorse a conservative treatment.

But first, you need to be seen by your dentist, and if you happen to live or work in the Bellevue, Washington, area, that dentist could be Dr. Michael Spektor. A dental team like the one here at Spektor Dental can rule out more serious problems by taking radiographs to make sure you aren’t suffering from an abscessed tooth or a bone problem.

Prevention is always the best solution. To avoid such conditions, you might want to:

• Make a habit of sleeping on your back at night in order to avoid pressure on the muscles.
• Wear a bite protector (NightGuard or Essix retainer) to prevent clenching and grinding.
• Avoid over opening your mouth when eating.

As always, we’re here to answer your questions and help you live the life you deserve. For more information about Myofacial Pain Syndrome (MPS) or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD), give our office a call at (425) 454-1322.

That’s why many dentists — as well as the American Dental Association — are firm believers in mouth guards as being invaluable in protecting against injuries to the mouth. These same dentists and the ADA also believe that a custom-made mouth guard is superior to the ones you can pick up at your local sports store.

For one thing, a custom-created guard fits better in your child’s mouth, which means they’ll be more comfortable — and which also means your young athletes are more likely to use them. Also, because they fit well, it’s more likely that the guard will remain in place, rather than rambling all over the inside of the mouth.

The dentists here at Spektor Dental have been creating these custom mouth protectors for years, and many of our patients — from high school athletes to middle-aged sports buffs — swear by our laminated mouth guards.

Using heat-pressure machines, our team creates different thicknesses of mouth guards for different sports, with those more prone to impact receiving the thicker guard. Our custom devices fit better, last longer than store-bought varieties, and certainly give better protection.

This is what we like to call “preventive” care because it prevents injury to those you love, whether they’re participating in youth sports or are active adult athletes.

Even under the best of circumstances, our mouths remain a bacteria factory, but when properly monitored, most of these bacteria are harmless. And they remain harmless as long as our body’s natural defenses are in good repair, and as long as we heed the warnings of our dentist.

You know what we’re talking about: We’re constantly nagging our patients to brush and floss and watch the sugar intake in our diets. It’s what we do best. And good oral care is what helps keep those bacteria reined in and harmless.

Things start to go bad fast when conditions change. Your oral health can be affected by a variety of physical conditions, ailments and diseases. The opposite is also true: Your physical well being can be affected by the condition of your mouth — your oral health.

For instance, heart disease — including clogged arteries and strokes — might be linked to poor oral health. A severe case of gum disease, for example, might actually spark such heart troubles. And if you have heart problems to begin with, gum disease might allow bad bacteria to enter the rest of your body, contributing to a very bad infection or maybe even worse.

Diabetes is a disease that can put your teeth at risk. The disease reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, thus threatening the gums and the bones that hold teeth in place. And, of course, osteoporosis already causes bones to become weak, contributing to dental problems and tooth loss.

The best prescription for good dental health is to follow the advice of your dentist:

• Besides vigilant brushing and flossing, be sure to replace your toothbrush every few months.
• Schedule regular dental checkups at least twice a year — and keep those appointments.
• Keep a close eye on what you eat, avoiding sweets and an abundance of foods containing acids.
• Consume antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranates, blueberries and raw cranberries.
• Stay in tune with what’s going on in your mouth.
• If you have a pain or display signs of oral disease, contact your dentist immediately.

Maintaining a health smile is ever bit as important as maintaining your overall health. There’s really no difference between the two.

If you have missing teeth, you want a dental procedure that results in a look and feel that is as close to your natural teeth as possible. Today, thanks to huge advances in dentistry, one consideration you should explore with your dentist is dental implants.

It wasn’t all that long ago that the go-to solution for gaps in your mouth were dentures, an alternative that left many patients saying they’d rather do without teeth at all. And while it’s true that modern dentures are much more comfortable than those of yesteryear, they can still be difficult to get used to at best and painful and uncomfortable at worst.

Dentures carved from hippopotamus ivory may have been fine for George Washington, but our first President was a tough old bird who was pretty used to being uncomfortable. His dentures were ill fitting, required constant attention and, at different points in his life, included cow and horse teeth and heavy springs fashioned into his dental paraphernalia.

Of course, that was several hundred years ago, yet while giant strides have been made in the evolution of dentures, you just don’t meet that many people who say they’re happy with theirs. Modern-day technology enables dentists to place better fitting and better looking dentures in a patient’s mouth. But there still remains a problem with dentures slipping and providing little comfort.

Today, we’ve got dental implants, which — depending on the skill of the dentist, the quality (and quantity) of bone available in the jaw, and the oral hygiene of the patient — can result in a success rate hovering around 95 percent.

And implants are very strong, primarily because of the method in which they are placed in the mouth. There’s no slippage, which means you can eat meals comfortably and speak with confidence.

Most dental implants consist of a titanium screw that resembles the root of a tooth. These titanium “roots,” placed within the bone of the jaw, support restorations that look exactly like the tooth or group of teeth that are missing. These dental implants eventually fuse with the bone, becoming strong enough to be used for talking and chewing, in addition to supporting crowns, adjacent bridges or dentures.

After a consultation with your dentist, and prior to surgery for dental implants, X-rays are taken, the shape of the jaw and its dimensions are recorded and, in some cases, a CT scan is performed. A pilot hole is often drilled into the jaw, using larger drill bits until the desired size is obtained.

The screw to be implanted in the jawbone is inserted at a precise torque and then the implant is left to heal for between two to six months before the prosthetic tooth or crown is attached. In some cases, a dental implant can be performed in a single procedure, which includes both the implant and attachment of the new tooth or crown.

The important thing is to make sure the bone has time to grow around the “foreign” implant before the final restoration is placed on top of it. If an implant is loaded too quickly, the implant might move, thus resulting in a failed surgery.

Your top concern should be to shop around for a good periodontist who has successfully performed hundreds of these procedures. These specialists have the special knowledge, education, training and facilities to give you new teeth that look real and feel like your own.

Remember that the success rate of dental implants is nearly 100 percent, and the procedure is considered an excellent option for those who find it necessary to replace some of their teeth. So if you or a loved one might benefit from this procedure, do your homework. Find a good dentist.

Maybe your teeth just need a simple whitening upgrade — a pick-me-up, if you will. We can think of at least five easy solutions to whitening, keeping in mind that whitening can affect the dentistry you already have as well. For instance, crowns, bridges, implants and some veneers cannot be whitened. So again, you’re going to have to have that discussion with your dental professional.

And you’re going to have to keep in mind that a little white goes a long way. Look at John Malkovich in Transformers 3. Now there’s a white, white smile that’s way off the charts!

Here are some options you have for whitening your teeth (there are all sorts of products out there, but these are the ones we recommend looking into and discussing with your dentist):

• Crest Whitening Strips work for younger adults. They are messy and most adults don’t like them. Cost is minimal, but dedication is high.
• Treswhite Supreme Strips can deliver the goods for those who want whiter teeth. They seem to work best if you don’t have terribly yellow teeth. They also can be messy, but are a step up from Crest Whitening. Cost is minimal. Dedication is high.
• Custom Whitening Trays work well. Here at Spektor Dental, we make impressions of your teeth and then create trays that fit your teeth exactly. We give you gel to use at home and you whiten until you like the color. You can wear the trays while you sleep so conscious dedication is reduced. The cost is modest, beginning at around $365 and trays can last a lifetime if nothing in your mouth is altered. Touch-up kits are always available for purchase. (Note: Ask about our “getting ready for fall special.”)
• We can kick start your whitening with a Power Boost Treatment as well. This is an in-office procedure done any time —  before, during or after whitening. It works great and all you need is an office appointment.  The investment is modest.
• 5-The new and amazing KOR Whitening gets the yellow out and truly whitens your teeth. It requires a considerable investment in time and money, but if you really want great results, this is the state-of-the-art option. The good news is that it comes with a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work. How much are we talking about? Prices start at around $1,000. But trays last a lifetime (if nothing major changes in your mouth) and touchup kits are always available for purchase.

We hope this two-part series about whitening your teeth prepares you for what’s ahead. Regardless of which procedure you choose, be sure to ask your dentist if you’re truly ready for cosmetic dentistry.

When you come see us for a smile evaluation, we like to sit down and discuss your general dental health and hear your thoughts on the future of your mouth. Obtaining — and maintaining — a beautiful smile is important to your overall health, and a good set of teeth instills confidence and a sense of wellbeing, which means our goal here at Spektor Dental is to make sure we’re all on the same page from the onset.

First, we look at your overall smile. Are your teeth aligned in a pleasing manner? Is your bite function correct? Do you have trouble eating? How about crooked teeth? Do they bother you? Would you benefit from orthodontics (either traditional appliances or Invisalign-see through braces)?

Since we work with orthodontists, a referral to a good orthodontist might be a good place to begin. These are specialists in tooth position. You can discuss options and possibilities with the orthodontist and decide if braces are a viable treatment option for you. A lot of times, braces are the least expensive investment because you can correct what you don’t like, get them whitened, and you’re set for life!

If you decide that braces are not the way to go, you may have other options. Just keep in mind that undergoing cosmetic dental procedures come with the risk that your treatment may not last forever. For many reasons — broken teeth, broken fillings or recurrent cavities — nothing is permanent with restorative dentistry, so there is a risk involved. Many times you don’t have a choice but you must know all the pitfalls that can occur.

In our next part, we’ll discuss the best way to whiten and brighten your smile.

It is an easy and pain-free event and it certainly shows remarkable results. In fact, you’ve probably got questions because you have friends or relatives who display the results of a tooth-whitening session and you’re impressed with their smiles.

Anyone’s who’s even had a fleeting thought of getting their teeth whitened has questions. That’s to be expected. To that issue, Spektor Dental’s own Dr. Wendy has come up with a list of the Top 10 questions every patient should ask her or the staff at Spektor Dental – or of whomever handles your dental-related needs – before consenting to a tooth-whitening process.

And this is a complete list of questions. Many of them center on the most important query, which is “Is my mouth ready for this procedure?” So when you set up an appointment for a consultation, bring along a copy of this list.

That being said, here is Dr. Wendy Spektor’s Top 10 questions to consider before getting your teeth whitened:

1. Do I have any problems with my gums?
2. Do I have unscheduled immediate dental needs such as decay or cavities? Do I need fillings? Caps? Are there any teeth that require extraction?
3. Will I want to do fillings or caps/crowns before whitening or after in order for the permanent fillings to match?
4. Do I have any teeth that have root canals and may not whiten the same as my other teeth?
5. Do I have old crowns or veneers that may not whiten and would need to be redone?
6. What options do I have for whitening?
7. What are advantages and disadvantages of whitening my teeth?
8. What should my expectations be for whitening? What can I do for sensitivity?
9. Will whitening solve my goals or is it just an extra step not really needed?
10. What upkeep is required on my part after the procedure?

We’re sure you have other questions about the procedure and we’ve got the experience to provide you with answers that target your concerns and not our schedule. Give us a call and we can even answer some of them over the phone.

Dr. Wendy is entered in the Best Dentist category, of course, and she’s starting to pick up some online votes from patients and peers through word of mouth. It’s easy to cast a vote, and there’s even room on the ballot to say something nice about Spektor Dental if you wish.

Voting is easy. Just go online to http://best.king5.com/wendy-spektor-dds/biz/496771?year=2011, and click on the yellow “Vote for us!” button. Our office appreciates the support, and who knows? Maybe this is the year we win!

Meet Tressie:

Spektor Dental: What did you do prior to coming to Spektor Dental?

Tressie Oylear:  During school breaks, I worked for a friend of the family who was an oral surgeon in downtown Seattle. I worked as his receptionist and later as his assistant. He encouraged me to become a dental hygienist like his daughter. That’s when I began taking the necessary prerequisites in order to apply for college.

Spektor Dental: Where did you go to college and what did you study as an undergrad?

TO: I entered the University of Washington right after high school and took generalized first- and second-year courses. Then I applied at Shoreline Community College because it was the leading hygiene school in Washington state. I graduated from there in 1979 and have been working in my field since. 

Spektor Dental: What attracted you to come to work at Spektor Dental?

TO: Fifteen years ago I was substituting in several offices and was called to work at Dr. Wendy Spektor’s center. I will never forget that first day. The office was full of high energy, professional and helpful employees, and I could see that Dr. Wendy treated her patients with warmth and genuine care. I have also been fortunate to develop long-term relationships with many of her patients.

Spektor Dental: If you were elected President tomorrow, what would be your first executive order?

TO: With the unrest and the turmoil in the world today, to be President would be a daunting thought. As past president of my daughter’s PTA, I learned first hand how hard it is to please everyone and that tough decisions need to be made for the sake of the group and not the individual. I feel that the hard-working immigrants of our state should be able to become United States citizens fairly and without difficulty. The non-citizen students who are working hard in school and are trying to support themselves and make a better life for them and their families should not be penalized.

Spektor Dental: If you could take a two-week vacation anywhere in the world, where would you and why would you go there?  Who would you take with you?

TO: My vacation dream would be to take my husband, my daughter and her friend to Italy. There is so much history to learn and experience there, and it would be a wonderful place to go. There are many different cities in the country and also many countries close by to explore.

We continuously train in the use of the latest dental technologies and materials, discarding old techniques and practices that no longer benefit you, our patient. Likewise, we go to great lengths to educate our patients about dental care. We take the time to outline options for the various procedures we offer, and we help you determine which technique best fits your needs.

General dental treatments that we perform on a routine but thorough basis include maintenance dental cleanings, fillings of all sorts — including gum line fillings and tooth-colored fillings — as well as veneers and crowns. But along with these procedures, we offer comprehensive examinations; digital dental technology; periodontal screenings; deep periodontal cleanings; advanced periodontal treatment, which includes bone regeneration; dental gum recontouring; implants; and gum grafts.

Our professional staff includes Dr. Michael Spektor, periodontist and gum specialist; Dr. Phil Roe, prosthetic (advanced dental) specialist; and Dr. Wendy Spektor, general and cosmetic dentist. Our team of root canal specialists — Dr. Kevin Choi and Dr. Gerry McCann — is right next door.

Near the top of our list of priorities is preventing future problems by diagnosing gum disease and treating it before it gets worse. Our goal is to curtail dental emergencies by treating potential problem areas such as defective fillings and decay before they become urgent issues that requires much more extensive (and expensive) treatment.

By taking a proactive stance and nipping potential problems in the bud, many of our patients go on to enjoy decades of good dental health without major issues. And that’s the whole idea.

By investing in good dental care today, you’re rewarded with a healthy, low-maintenance smile in the future. For those who are counting the months until full retirement, a well-planned dental regimen now can pay off big time in reduced costs during those retirement years. And that’s an investment with a 100 percent return!