Monthly Archives: August 2015

Are You Suffering from TMJ? | Palm Harbor Dentist

200324634-001TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, is one of the most misdiagnosed syndromes in the world. Oftentimes, TMJ is overlooked, as jaw related issues can be linked to a multitude of different health issues. TMJ symbolizes the first three anatomic areas of the head. The Temporomandibular Joint is important in which it is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. As it is two joints acting to support as one, when they break down, it can cause a series of pains to occur.

Signs and symptoms of TMJ:

  • Pain in the Jaw, especially around the joint
  • Popping or clicking of the jaw
  • Ear pain
  • Ringing or popping sounds in the ears
  • Headaches
  • Blurred Vision
  • Tight or sore jaw or neck muscles
  • Shoulder pain
  • Locking or dislocation of the jaw.

The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of problems, such as arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth, but many people habitually clench their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders. TMJ may cause anywhere from mild to severe pain and discomfort I people and can last for a short time or for many years. If you experience anything from chronic headaches, neck aches, dizziness, ear aches, hearing problems, pain or tenderness in the face, limited ability to open the mouth wide, or clicking, popping, or grating sound, contact Dr. Lieberman.

To find out more about TMJ contact Dr. Larry Lieberman and make an appointment 727-785-8017 or visit our website at www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Accepting patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and all surrounding areas.

Laser Dentistry | Palm Harbor Dentist

ThinkstockPhotos-464323669Dr. Lieberman believes visiting the dentist does not have to be a painful and uncomfortable experience. Millions of Americans have what can be considered a dental-phobia. But with new technology dental fears are being eased.

Many people associate a trip to the dentist with the sound of the high-speed dental drill, but Dr. Lieberman has another tool at his disposal: a dental laser. While not commonly associated with dental treatment, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990 for a variety of uses. During traditional dental drilling the cause of pain is related to heat, vibration and pressure. Lasers do not produce heat, vibration or pressure, making it nearly pain free.

Dr. Lieberman uses a tool known as a Periolase – a laser specially designed for dental use – to focus energy into a small point. This burst of energy can be accurately aimed, and when it makes contact with the mouth, it can assist the dentist in a variety of ways. Fans of lasers and science fiction probably imagine lasers are great for cutting through tissue, and that remains true in dental lasers; the Periolase can be used to remove diseased or infected tissue around teeth quickly and safely. Similar to removing tissue, in some cases the laser can be used to reshape gum and bone tissue, and the heat from lasers are occasionally used to seal tissue to help promote healing.

While cutting with a laser seems like a typical use, one of the most common uses of dental lasers is as a tool to kill bacteria – the laser is powerful enough to kill bacteria beneath the surface without removing the tissue, giving Dr. Lieberman a way to treat infected or diseased tissue that would otherwise be difficult to reach with normal tools.

The dental laser has a number of advantages for both patient and dentist – the laser is quieter than the drill, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed experience. The bacteria-killing nature of the laser and its more precise use can lead to better results and shorter healing times. When used by a trained dentist, such as Dr. Lieberman, the dental laser is a fantastic technical advancement that both patients and dentist can appreciate.

Do not put off dental treatment and check-up due to fear. Your dentist is here to make it as easy as possible for you.

To find out more about laser dentistry contact Dr. Larry Lieberman and make an appointment 727-785-8017 or visit our website at www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Accepting patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and all surrounding areas.