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Question
I have always had jaw pain. It seems to get worse every time I have a tooth worked on. When you have a tooth problem the dentist almost always files it down, saying its a height adjustment. So after years of filing down all back teeth, it seems your jaws will not adjust. My front teeth touch 1st, then the lower jaw slides back ( to the slant of front teeth) until the back teeth hit. Since the back teeth get shorter every time a dentist adjusts the bite, the jaw gets tighter and tighter. It seems these back teeth should be kept at a level so all teeth hit at once. How can filing off back teeth over and over help your jaw. And all dentists I know do this. You would think the older you get and the more worn the teeth get that dentists would be building up these teeth in the back to keep your bite level. Do you know any dentist that gives this attention. The only thing I can do to prevent jaw pain is to not chew. This kind of defeats the need for teeth. And no i do not grind my teeth at night. This all makes sense why when you put those appliances in you mouth at night takes the pressure off the jaw. But in the day time when you chew your back teeth still have to connect and the pressure is put back on the jaw because this space is no longer filled in. Please help. Do you know any dentist that will fill in this worn and filed off spaces that seems to come with having any dental work done. The only other answer would be to file off the front teeth to match to back teeth that have been worn and filed down. And that would be very ugly.
Thank you for listening and any help you can give me.
Dear Terri: It appears that you have the problem of clenching your teeth, if not all the time, then most of the time. You are correct, especially for you. But before you have all your teeth built up, you must receive a biteguard, which you must wear 24/7, except when you eat, and when your take it out to clean it. Once this has separated your jaws to the level that is appropriate for you, then you can have your teeth built to that level. Your case might require a specialist, as this is a very meticulous process. Let me know what you do. dd
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Expertise
I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.
Experience
Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.
Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)
Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University
Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry
Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society
Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.
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