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Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers to a diverse range of disorders that relate to muscular function in the jaw and face — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). That could mean difficulty opening your mouth, pain in the jaw or face, or any sort of problem with the jaw joint.

TMD can be difficult to diagnose because of the varied causes. Whatever the case, an accurate diagnosis from Drs. Sidney and Jacob Kelly helps make treatment as successful as possible.

Most often, jaw problems will resolve themselves within several weeks or months. Surgeries like arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery should be a last resort. More conservative and reversible treatments should come first and are in fact the most critical step in the treatment of TMD.

Less invasive treatments like acupuncture and splints can be helpful, but that will depend on your particular case. It’s worth your while to speak with Drs. Sidney and Jacob Kelly at our Roseville, CA office to learn about solutions that could work for you.

A combination of treatments will most often produce the greatest relief for TMJ patients. It’s a good idea to avoid activities that overuse the jaws, such as chewing gum or clenching your jaws.

You can be proactive in finding relief for TMD by trying the following remedies at home:

• Eat soft food: When you eat soft and/or blended food, your jaw gets an opportunity to rest. Avoid chewy and crunchy food, and food that requires you to open your mouth wide, like apples or corn on the cob.
• Apply moist heat: A hot water bottle wrapped in a moist towel can help reduce symptoms.
• Apply ice: Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or towel for no longer than 15 minutes may also reduce pain and promote healing.
• Do jaw exercises: A physical therapist can help identify the exercises that will work for you. Jaw exercises have been shown to be an effective treatment method that can be performed at home.
• Relaxation: Actively try to relax the muscles of the face and lips, and let your teeth come apart. Many find meditation, yoga, and slow, deep breathing to be helpful for reducing stress and tension.
• Avoid wide yawns: Keep your fist under your jaw when you feel a yawn coming on, to keep your jaw from opening too widely.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, we understand that paying a visit to our office can seem like a nearly impossible mission. Regardless of what the root of that anxiety might be, we’re here to tell you that at Sidney D. Kelly, DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, you have no need to be nervous. Our office is dedicated to making your dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

One of the best things to do if you experience dental anxiety is call our office in advance to let us know. By notifying us in advance, you give us the opportunity to provide you with the dental care you need in the way you need it.

We can prescribe a relaxation medication for you. During your appointment, we can provide a little bit of laughing gas to put you more at ease, teach you some behavioral techniques for relaxation, and make sure you’re never in the dark about what’s happening.

If dental anxiety makes you feel embarrassed, please be assured that you’re not alone. Studies show that as much as 75% of adults suffer some degree of dental anxiety! It might be helpful to remember that your doctor’s goal is the same as yours: We are here to keep your oral health in check so you can be your healthiest self. We certainly don’t want to make you uncomfortable in the process.

If you have any questions about other ways in which we can accommodate you during your visits, please don’t hesitate to contact our Roseville, CA office!

Our team at Sidney D. Kelly, DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry understands that the sights, sounds and sensations at a dental office can be unsettling for some patients. One effective technique that we use to comfort you is to offer the gas nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a common anesthetic used during many dental procedures.

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is an oxide of nitrogen which has a slight sweet odor and taste. During medical or dental procedures, the gas is mixed with oxygen then inhaled through a mask that covers your nose. Within minutes, you should feel calm and experience an overall sense relaxation. You will be able to breathe on your own, move your limbs, and be conscious enough to hear and respond to our dentist's questions. The effects of nitrous oxide disappear shortly after the mask is removed and the drug is quickly eliminated from your body.

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Recreational use of nitrous oxide for its euphoric effects can be dangerous, however, the drug is combined with oxygen at dental offices. This ensures oxygen reaches the brain and prevents dangerous side effects or hypoxia. Nitrous oxide inhalation is a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety, produce analgesia, and enhance effective communication.

Nitrous oxide is non-addictive and non-allergic, however, it may cause nausea in up to ten percent of patients. The drug is not recommended for people with some medical conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease. We recognize that all patients are different and encourage you to talk with Drs. Sidney and Jacob Kelly about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.

Our team wants to help all patients in Roseville, CA to overcome dental anxiety, so please, give us a call at Sidney D. Kelly, DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Today’s blog goes out to Dr. Kelly – a phenomenal dentist and father! He’s the type of person that makes you feel safe when he’s around. Comfort follows him, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by it daily. He’s the rock of the family and someone who we can always depend upon when the going gets tough. Naturally, we’re going to throw a big celebration for Father’s Day!

We’ll be camping at Sly Park for the second year in a row and we cannot wait! Who knows, it might even become the new family tradition. Spending time as a family in nature away from all of the daily to-do’s is always a treat. We’ve always been a nature family that enjoys exploring the outdoors, and one of my favorite memories with Dr. Kelly was a backpacking trip through Point Reyes. Him teaching me how to backpack is a memory I will cherish always.

He’s hardworking, athletic, and intelligent – and I think it’s safe to say I inherited all of those traits! Not only that, but he’s always immensely giving. Even on his days off, he is often found helping or serving one of his six kids, one of his 22 grandkids, or his neighbors and friends in the community.  He is the perfect example of selflessness.

He’s also always right! Our family doesn’t know how it happens, but if he comments on something he is usually always spot on. It’s become a joke in our family, “When is dad not right?!”  That extends into the advice he gives as well. "You work hard so you can also play hard," this particular piece of advice has stuck with me. I have found that putting in hard work and always doing my best has its rewards.

Be sure to share your Father’s Day plans with us next time you’re in the office, and whatever those plans may be, we hope they go off without a hitch.

-- Kristin Rose