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(518) 374-0317 1541 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12309

Capital Smiles Blog

Video FAQ: What is Bruxism?

December 28, 2020

Filed under: Video FAQs — Tags: , , — Dr. Erin Page @ 7:19 pm

Bruxism is often related to TMD. At Capital Smiles, we see a lot of bruxism cases that have no symptoms associated with them except for loose or worn down teeth. We also see a lot of TMD/TMJ (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction) issues which have no bruxism associated with them at all. They are related because bruxism is associated with the overuse of the same jaw muscles. In many situations, the treatment is similar for these different problems.

Bruxism is a damaging, destructive process. We often recommend a soft nightguard so long a patient’s bruxism isn’t associated with any other diseases or problems. If TMJ problems are present, we recommend different types of splints that protect the teeth and remove a lot of the joint discomfort from the overuse of the jaw and facial muscles. Our dentists also offer BOTOX treatments that can help loosen and relax these muscles and prevent them from further damage.

Are you searching for a dentist in the Capital District to help with Temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments? We’re ready to put our years of experience to work for you. Give us a call or request an appointment on our website to learn more.

How to Prepare for Your Next Major Oral Procedure

November 18, 2020

Filed under: Oral Surgery — Dr. Erin Page @ 8:15 pm

Happy woman showing off dental implants in SchenectadyDental implants in Schenectady and other major oral procedures may instill some mixed feelings in you. On one hand, you may be excited by how your treatment will improve your smile’s function and appearance. On the other hand, you could be a little nervous because you don’t quite know what to expect during your treatment journey. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips that will help you head into your next major oral procedure with total confidence.

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Video FAQ: How Can You Protect My Dental Restorations?

November 3, 2020

Filed under: Video FAQs — Dr. Erin Page @ 8:02 pm

Excessive grinding and pressure from jaw muscles can lead to tremendous TMJ problems, loss of teeth mobility, loss of bone, notches in teeth, and excessive wear. We understand that when a dental patient is suffering from the loss of teeth, there are multiple reasons. When you are taking steps to correct the issue and receive replacement teeth from our office (dentures, crowns, bridges, or dental implants), we always make it a goal to provide relief and protection from pressure (especially with dental implant patients), A tried and true method of ensuring your restorations stay healthy is through delivering Botox to the chewing muscles as a quick post-operatory procedure. This method weakens the force placed on implants and tooth restorations during the healing period, ensuring your dental work lasts. We also have the ability to make our dental patients nightguards that provide protection from involuntary clenching and girding while sleeping.

Are you searching for a dentist in the Capital District? We’re uniquely qualified to help restore missing teeth and ensure you can keep them… for life! Give us a call or request an appointment on our website to learn more.

Video FAQ: What Causes TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)?

October 31, 2020

Filed under: TMJ/TMD,Video FAQs — Dr. Erin Page @ 3:34 pm

The temporomandibular joint hinges between the lower and upper jaw with the ability to both rotate and translate. When the muscles that control the movement of the jaw and the disc overwhelm the ligaments that hold it in place, stretching occurs and muscles overreact and get tense. The bite gets dislocated, and patients experience pain in the lower, upper jaw, and temple areas. Sometimes TMD is mistaken for ear pain and ringing in the ears. TMD is a chronic condition that is unfortunately incurable, but at Capital Smiles, we can help you manage it. We can make it more comfortable. And, we’ve had excellent results with many of our patients.

Are you experiencing head, neck, or jaw pain? Our dentists at Capital Smiles have decades of experience helping alleviate TMD and control its symptoms so you can live life to the fullest — and more comfortably. Call us today to request a complimentary consultation and learn about your options!

Jaw Pain and Cracked Teeth Are on the Rise — Why?

October 2, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. Erin Page @ 7:05 pm

black and white photo of woman in need of jaw pain reliefWhen the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, dentists temporarily closed their doors to everyone except emergency patients. After one dentist with a practice in New York City reopened, a friend asked how her business was doing. The friend expected that perhaps patients were staying away due to concerns over COVID-19. However, the dentist responded that she had been busier than ever. Why? She said, “I’ve seen more tooth fractures in the last six weeks than in the previous six years.”

Indeed, many dentists may have noticed a similar upward trend in fractured teeth and jaw pain. What is the reason behind this troubling phenomenon, and what can you do to find jaw pain relief in the Capital District? Let’s discuss these important questions.

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Video FAQ: What is a Dental Implant?

September 30, 2020

Filed under: Dental Implants,Video FAQs — Dr. Erin Page @ 3:17 am

When you lose a tooth you have three options: 1) you can utilize a bridge to anchor onto two neighboring teeth, a removable partial denture, or restore a tooth to its most natural state using a dental implant.

A dental implant uses a titanium screw placed in the jaw bone with an abutment attached to a crown. Dental implants are great restorations that mimic natural teeth and allow patients to enjoy the benefit of ultimate function and aesthetics.

If you are missing one or more teeth, contact our Capital District dental practice today! We have been helping friends and neighbors around the area love to smile since 1982, and our two talented dentists have restored countless teeth with dental implants. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and learn more.

Gummy Smile? Here’s How Your Dentist Can Help

September 18, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. Erin Page @ 5:28 pm

close-up of beautiful, non-gummy smile in Capital DistrictIdeally, your gums should be a subtle frame for your smile. Rather than calling attention to themselves, they should allow onlookers to enjoy the sight of your beautiful, healthy teeth. However, if more than a few millimeters of gum tissue is visible when you smile, you have what is known as a “gummy smile in the Capital District.” This is a fairly common issue; roughly 14 percent of women and 7 percent of men have extra visible gum tissue when they smile. But just because this is a common issue doesn’t mean you have to put up with it forever. Your dentist offers a few treatments that may help.

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How Does Denture Stabilization with Dental Implants Work?

August 25, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. Erin Page @ 6:56 pm

senior woman enjoying denture stabilization in Captial DistrictTraditional dentures can be both beautiful and functional. However, a common complaint about them is that they tend to slip out of place. Are you tired of dealing with the hassle and embarrassment of dentures that just won’t stay put? Reliable denture stabilization in the Capital District is possible thanks to dental implants! in this blog post, you’ll learn more about how dental implants can anchor your teeth in place and help you to enjoy the most natural-feeling smile possible.

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Video FAQ: How Can Dental Implants Improve My Dentures?

August 16, 2020

Filed under: Dental Implants,Dentures — Dr. Erin Page @ 7:49 pm

Many of our dental patients complain about their dentures. Common issues such as slipping, sliding and general discomfort lead to decreased self-confidence and quality of life. There is a solution to stabilize your dentures: dental-implant retained prosthetics (dentures).

At Capital Smiles, our talented dentists can locate an area, usually near the canine region of the jaw, to add two implants (sometimes four implants are needed depending on bone density). These implants are able to fix your denture securely in place, completely eliminating any movement whatsoever. Eat, speak, laugh, and eat in complete comfort! Best of all, your denture is still removable for easy maintenance and cleaning.

Are you ready to finally upgrade your denture? We’re ready to show you how and dramatically increase your quality of life. Our practice has been serving friends and neighbors in the Capital District since 1982, and we’ve established ourselves as a regional dental implants leader. Contact Capital Smiles today to learn more!

Video FAQ: What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

July 3, 2020

Filed under: Invisalign,Orthodontics — Dr. Erin Page @ 11:32 pm

Invisalign is a great option for patients with minor crowding or spacing issues. Invisalign is very efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective. It also avoids the discomfort of wires and brackets associated with traditional orthodontics.

Typical Invisalign cases are relatively brief, lasting a year to a year and a half, depending on the complexity of the case. Invisalign can transform a person’s smile in a very short time and drastically improve appearance, function, and self-esteem!

If your teeth aren’t seamlessly straight, Capital Smiles would love to discuss how Invisalign can help you love your smile. Contact our Capital District dental practice to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Page! We look forward to meeting you.

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