FAQ

TMJ

Do I need to wear the splint all day?

No, it's usually worn only while you sleep. Because teeth grinding and clenching mainly occur during sleep, night-time wear alone can reduce

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TMJ

Can TMJ disorder or teeth grinding cause headaches?

Yes, they can. The temporalis muscle, which moves the jaw, extends up to the temple area, so when this muscle becomes tense from grinding or

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TMJ

Could surgery be needed?

Most TMJ disorders improve without surgery through conservative treatment such as medication, physical therapy, and splints. Surgery is cons

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TMJ

Are physical therapy and medication helpful?

Yes, for early-stage TMJ conditions, medication and physical therapy are the foundational treatments. Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory

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TMJ

Are there foods or habits to avoid when my jaw hurts?

Yes, there are. For foods, avoid 1) tough, chewy items like dried squid, beef jerky, and galbi (ribs), 2) hard nuts and ice, and 3) gum that

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TMJ

Can TMJ problems cause facial asymmetry?

Yes, it can happen. If only one jaw joint wears down (degenerative change), or growth of one joint is impaired during the growth period, the

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TMJ

Is there a chance of recurrence?

Yes, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can come back if the habits that caused it remain. Teeth grinding, clenching, chewing on only

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TMJ

Is it okay to get Botox often?

Repeat injections are fine as long as you keep an appropriate interval of 3 to 6 months. The effect usually lasts 3 to 6 months, and the sta

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TMJ

Once I get Botox, do I need to keep getting it?

You do not have to keep getting injections, but repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect. The effect lasts about 3 to 6 months, aft

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Scaling

How often should I get scaling?

Once a year is the standard, and from age 19 the National Health Insurance covers one scaling per year, so you can have it with little cost

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Scaling

Doesn't scaling grind down or separate the teeth?

Scaling does not shave your teeth down or create gaps between them. It uses ultrasonic vibration to break off only the tartar attached to th

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Scaling

I bleed a lot during scaling. Is that okay?

Bleeding during scaling is a natural reaction when the gums are inflamed, so there is no need to worry. Inflamed gums have dilated blood ves

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Scaling

My teeth are very sensitive after scaling.

Sensitivity after scaling is temporary and usually settles within a few days to 1 or 2 weeks. Tartar that was covering the tooth roots has b

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Scaling

Can children also get scaling?

Yes, children can have scaling if tartar has formed. In children, tartar tends to form in limited spots such as the inner surface of the low

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Scaling

After scaling, there seem to be gaps between my teeth. Did my teeth separate?

Your teeth have not moved apart. The tartar that was filling the spaces between them has been removed, revealing the space that was already

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Scaling

Is scaling very painful?

For most people scaling is not painful enough to need anesthesia. That said, it can feel sensitive or stinging if you have a lot of tartar,

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Scaling

Do I really need to get scaling? Isn't brushing enough?

Yes, brushing alone is not enough and regular scaling is necessary. Plaque left after brushing combines with minerals in saliva and hardens

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Pediatric

When should fluoride application start? Is there a recommended interval?

Fluoride application can start once the first tooth has come in, and every 3 to 6 months is ideal. For very young children we use fluoride v

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Pediatric

Baby teeth will fall out anyway. Do they need cavity treatment?

Yes, cavities in baby teeth do need treatment. If a cavity in a baby tooth is left alone, 1) the inflammation can affect the permanent tooth

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Pediatric

Do dental sealants need to be done?

We recommend it, as its effectiveness in preventing molar cavities is well established. The deep, narrow grooves on the chewing surface of t

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