Blog | Boulder Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Common Symptoms of TMD

Are you having jaw pain that seems to never go away? You may have heard of TMD or TMJ and started to wonder, “Is that what’s going on?’” TMD, also commonly known as TMJ, stands for temporomandibular disorder. The temporomandibular joint is the source of symptoms and pain for people suffering from TMD. Let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms and signs of TMD, so you know when it’s time to seek TMD treatment.

What Is TMD?

TMD is when the temporomandibular joint becomes irritated or inflamed. The TMJ connects your lower jaw to the skull and can get irritated from an improper bite, arthritis, and physical trauma. TMD affects muscles around the jaw and can be very painful. TMD lasts anywhere from days to months and can be recurring depending on the root cause.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is the most common symptom of TMJ and is one of the most debilitating. Pain can come from the joint itself or from tight muscles around the jaw. The pain can feel like aching, burning, tightness, or even sharp pain.

Teeth Problems

Teeth issues are a common sign and cause of TMD. Tightened muscles and grinding can lead to damaged and sore teeth.

Issues With Sleeping

The pain, tightness, and grinding of teeth can, unfortunately, lead to issues with sleep. These problems can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Headaches

Muscle tightness, grinding, and excessive jaw movement can lead to headaches caused by TMD. The headaches can be similar to other tension headaches. This makes TMD headaches hard to identify without other symptoms present.

Seeking Treatment

Many of the things that cause TMD actually stem from your teeth. That’s why Dr. Ania Mohelicki, DDS, provides services to help alleviate TMD and its symptoms. Dr. Ania understands that TMD is a complex issue and will develop a treatment plan for your situation. Dr. Ania and her team make it their mission to provide you with quick, comfortable, and effective treatments for your TMD. Let Dr. Ania’s results speak for themselves, and contact her office at (303) 443-0998 today.

Posted: June 15, 2023 By: content.team

How to Incredibly Improve Your Sleep Apnea

Do you realize how much of an effect inadequate sleep can have on your health? Sleep Apnea can lead to many life-altering conditions, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, diabetes, and an elevated risk of a stroke.

From diabetes to liver problems, It’s essential to understand the many risks of sleep apnea, and how to tell if you are a sufferer so you can find out the best solution to improve your sleep apnea.

How to Tell If You Have Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from sleep apnea, there are many common symptoms and signs, including,

Loud snoring
Periods where you don’t breathe while sleeping
Trying to catch your breath while you sleep
Waking up with a dry mouth
Waking up with a headache
Trouble staying asleep
Feeling extra tired during the day
Having trouble paying attention throughout the day
Feeling irritable

What are the Risks of Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, it should be taken very seriously as it can cause many risks, including,

Metabolic Syndrome
Complications with medicines or surgeries
High blood pressure
Heart problems
Type 2 Diabetes
Liver problems

What Can You Do to Improve Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you can worry less, knowing that there are options for you to improve your quality of sleep. Dr. Ania Mohelicki offers the Micro O2 to enhance your nighttime snoring and reduce your Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This service is provided for adults, and it works by keeping your lower jaw pushed forward while you sleep to avoid the collapse of your airway from the tongue and throat tissues.

Micro O2 is great for sleep apnea patients because it is easy to use, smaller than the average bulky CPAP machines, comfortable, easy to adjust, and designed by sleep medicine experts.

Ready to Finally Treat Your Sleep Apnea?

Dr. Ania Mohelicki is an experienced family and cosmetic dentist in the Boulder, CO, area. To find out how you can improve your sleep apnea or for more information on the MicroO2 sleep machine, call 303-872-9940 to schedule an appointment.

Posted: May 15, 2023 By: content.team

Dental Retainers vs Orthodontic Treatments

Asian woman smiling and wearing an orthodontic retainers. A straighter smile is a common goal for many patients who visit the office of Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, CO. Orthodontic treatment is a reliable method of realigning the teeth. However, some patients might confuse orthodontic treatment with dental retainers. Understanding the goal of each treatment is the most effective way of learning the difference between the two and getting a better view of which treatment is best for you!

What Are the Differences Between Orthodontic Treatment and Dental Retainers?

Dental retainers and orthodontic treatments have some similarities, but there are also several differences between them.

Let’s dive in and look at the ways in which they are used to better understand their purposes:

Orthodontic treatments. Orthodontic treatment focuses on straightening teeth through the use of braces or other appliances. Orthodontic treatment seeks to correct problems such as crooked teeth, overbites and underbites, and misaligned jaws. Treatment usually takes several months to a few years and involves periodic adjustments by an orthodontist.
Dental retainers. On the other hand, dental retainers provide support for the teeth in order to keep them from shifting after orthodontic treatment is completed. Retainers are custom-made devices that fit snugly against the teeth and help reduce tooth movement. Depending on your needs, retainers can be removable, fixed to the teeth, or a combination of both. Retainers must be worn for an extended period of time and may need to be adjusted periodically.

Overall, orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting misalignment of the teeth, while dental retainers are used to maintain the desired results after treatment is completed. Both treatments require regular visits with an orthodontist or a skilled dental provider to achieve optimal results.

Schedule an Appointment To Learn More About Straightening Your Smile

If you live in the Boulder, CO, area and want to speak to a professional about the benefits of orthodontic treatment or dental retainers, Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team can assist. She has years of experience providing general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for patients both in and around her community and is open to new patients. Call 303-872-9940 to book an appointment at her dental office.

Posted: April 15, 2023 By: henley.tabal

How Can My Dentist Help Me With Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea Oxygen Mask and CPAP Machine If you feel as though you are not getting enough sleep every night, even if you’re spending sufficient time in bed, you may be unaware that you are competing against a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder, sometimes referred to as OSA, can cause you to cease breathing hundreds of times in one night. This results in insufficient rest to feel energized and focused the following day. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO, can help you find a reliable and comfortable solution to OSA with sleep apnea dental appliances.

What Is Used To Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep-disordered Breathing?

Most patients who get a diagnosis of OSA will often be told by their primary care physician to use a device called a CPAP machine. This machine is used to keep the airways open throughout the night. However, the mask and machine could be more convenient and comfortable for many individuals, resulting in better treatment compliance. Instead, Dr. Ania Mohelicki may suggest the use of a dental appliance.

How Dental Appliances Work for Treating OSA

Dental appliances are specialized oral devices that fit over the teeth and keep them slightly separated. This creates more space in the airways, so they don’t collapse while sleeping, allowing for better oxygen intake throughout the night. Unlike CPAP machines, dental appliances are small, lightweight, and more comfortable to wear.

Benefits of Using Dental Appliances for OSA

When worn every night during sleep, patients can expect to see improved symptoms as soon as the first week of use. Common benefits include:

Improved energy levels throughout the day
Improved mental clarity and focus
Reduced snoring
Fewer episodes of daytime sleepiness and fatigue

Am I a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

If you struggle with using a CPAP machine and are looking for an alternative treatment for OSA or other sleep-disordered breathing conditions, connect with Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, CO to discuss whether or not you are a proper candidate for oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Her office can be reached by calling 303-872-9940 to request a visit.

Posted: March 15, 2023 By: abhisake.jain

How To Address the Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

TMJ letters surrounded by human skull with lower jaw At the practice of Dr. Ania Mohelicki, new and current patients of her Boulder, CO, area office will find that she provides a wide range of services for individuals who have oral health concerns. One condition that might be overlooked is that of TMJ/TMD. This condition is present in millions of Americans and has distinct symptoms that make it easy to diagnose and treat.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ/TMD stands for temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder. It is a condition that affects the jaw, muscles, and ligaments in the head and neck region that control chewing and speaking.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ/TMD?

Symptoms of TMJ/TMD can vary from mild to severe and may include:

Pain or tenderness when moving the jaw
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
Clicking and/or popping sounds in the jaw joint while talking or eating
Headaches and migraines
Earaches
Limited ability to open the mouth wide (trismus or “lock jaw”)
Fatigue in facial muscles after eating or talking
Problems with hearing or balance

How Can I Address the Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD?

Treatment options for TMJ/TMD depend on the severity of symptoms but may include the following:

Physical therapy
Medications such as anti-inflammatories
Specialized TMJ/TMD oral appliances
Surgery

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

A diagnosis of TMJ/TMD is the first step in learning more about your condition and the best course of treatment for your needs. Dr. Ania Mohelicki will always start with the most conservative treatment option before moving up to more invasive procedures such as surgery. Some patients can benefit from using a special oral appliance at night to realign the jaw and reduce symptoms that may impact their daily quality of life.

How Do I Find Out More About TMJ/TMD and Get a Proper Diagnosis?

To obtain the right treatment for your condition, you need to first get a definitive diagnosis from your primary doctor or from Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, CO. With a proper diagnosis, you can then discuss the severity of your condition and decide on the best course of treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Call 303-872-9940 to request an appointment with our provider to talk about your oral health.

Posted: February 14, 2023 By: abhisake.jain

New Year, New Smile!

blonde woman in white silky bathrobe smiling With the turn of the calendar, it’s a brand-new year–and time to think about what you’d like to change or improve in 2023. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO, help patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles, and if you struggle with imperfections of the teeth and gums, you may be a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. With the help of our dental professionals, you can rejuvenate or completely change your smile with cosmetic procedures.

What Are Some Cosmetic Dental Procedures Used to Enhance the Smile?

When considering aesthetic dental work with Dr. Ania Mohelicki, patients have a wide range of solutions to choose from. Below are just a few of the more popular cosmetic procedures requested by our professionals to transform the smile:

Porcelain veneers. These thin, shell-like coverings are custom-made and bonded to the front of teeth. They provide a beautiful, natural-looking appearance that lasts for years.
Composite bonding. This is a procedure where Dr. Ania Mohelicki applies tooth-colored resin to the surface of your teeth to improve their color and shape. The material can also be used in place of old metal fillings for a more seamless look.
Invisalign™ orthodontics. Straightening the smile is easy with Invisalign™, a clear tray aligner system that repositions the smile without metal brackets and wires.
Cosmetic injections. With Botox™ injections or dermal fillers, patients can address fine lines and folds around the mouth and throughout the face, further improving their overall appearance while turning back the hands of time!
Dental crowns. Patients with damaged teeth may want to cover and protect these teeth with dental crowns. Crowns are porcelain “caps” that cover a natural tooth structure and can improve the appearance and function of a single tooth.

Ready To Rejuvenate Your Smile in 2023?

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team of professionals to learn more about cosmetic dental procedures used to make subtle or dramatic changes to the smile. Call 303-872-9940 to request your consultation visit at her office, serving patients in and around the community of Boulder, CO. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile this year!

Posted: January 15, 2023 By: abhisake.jain

Don’t Spend Your Life With Dental Problems

When it comes to caring for your smile, your dentist may recommend preventative care. If you have experienced tooth loss, however, you will need to learn more about the tooth replacement options available to you. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO, work directly with patients to help them in achieving the smile they’ve always wanted, even when problems develop.

What is restorative dentistry?

Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder can educate patients on restorative dentistry procedures. These are treatments designed to repair the smile after problems such as breakage, tooth loss, or disease. She wants to avoid having her patients deal with dental issues, which is why she is pleased to offer restorative care.

Below are just a few of the restorative procedures available at her practice for patients to consider:

Dental bonding. Dental bonding is a fast and easy way to address the imperfections of the smile. Using a composite resin bonding material that matches the patient’s tooth color, Dr. Ania Mohelicki can disguise issues such as chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth.
Porcelain veneers. Similar to dental bonding, porcelain veneers can cover imperfect teeth. However, porcelain does not stain and can last longer than dental bonding alone, making it a wise investment for many of our patients.
Dentures. We are pleased to provide partial, full, and implant-supported dentures for patients to replace one or more teeth within their smiles. This allows for not only the repair of the appearance of the smile but provides patients with false teeth that are also functional, allowing them to enjoy all their favorite foods!
Dental bridges. Bridges are also used to replace missing teeth and utilize the surrounding teeth to support the restoration of the smile.
Dental implants. Patients seeking a lifetime solution to missing teeth will often ask about investing in dental implants. These titanium metal posts are used to replace teeth, using the post as a foundation in the jawbone to hold a crown, bridge, or denture in place.

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki to learn more!

If you reside in or around the area of Boulder, CO, and want to speak to our dentist about restorative dentistry solutions, call 303-872-9940 for an appointment.

Posted: December 15, 2022 By: Dr. Ania Mohelicki

How long can I go without visiting the dentist?

Man showing thumbs up and smiling sitting on the dental chair You probably know that you should see the dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile. But why? What happens if you don’t maintain your routine evaluations and cleanings with Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO? Let’s talk more about conditions that can impact the smile and how often you should make an appointment with your dentist.

What are some conditions that can worsen if I don’t see my dentist regularly?

There are a variety of oral health problems that can develop if you are not seeing your dentist on a regular basis or caring for your smile. This includes:

Cavities. Tooth decay is the most common dental problem seen when you are not taking care of your teeth and gums with everyday brushing and flossing. Finding cavities with the help of a dentist in the earliest stages is the best way to ensure they do not worsen or become more serious.
Periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease causes an infection in the mouth that starts with the gums. Bleeding, swollen, and red gums are an indication that this condition has started, and problems such as gum recession, loose teeth, and lost bone can occur.
Tooth loss. When the smile is not properly cared for, it can result in tooth loss. This is often due to jawbone loss with severe periodontitis that causes the teeth to lose their foundation. Tooth loss may also occur with the removal of teeth that are badly damaged by severe tooth decay.

How often should I see my dentist?

It’s important to see your dentist routinely, at least once every six months. This way, your dentist can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and catch any problems early on. If you have a medical history of dental problems, or if you’re at high risk for them, you may need to see your dentist more often.

Schedule a visit with our team today!

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, or if you’re experiencing pain or other issues with your natural teeth or gum tissues, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO. Call 303-872-9940 to request a visit and find out more about caring for your smile and maintaining healthy teeth and gums!

Posted: November 15, 2022 By: abhisake.jain

How TMJ issues can impact your smile health

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. If you have pain in these joints, it’s called TMJ/TMD. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO, see patients with this condition and can help them treat it. TMJ/TMD can happen for all sorts of reasons: arthritis, teeth grinding, clenching your jaw. When it does, it can not only be painful but also lead to problems with your bite and your smile.

Here’s how:

Poor bite alignment. If you have TMJ/TMD, you may find that your teeth don’t fit together the way they used to. Your upper teeth and lower teeth may not line up when you bite down. This is called malocclusion. You may also have trouble opening and closing your mouth. All of this can lead to changes in the way your teeth fit together and even tooth loss.
Pain and discomfort. TMJ/TMD can also cause pain in your face, neck, and shoulders. You may have headaches, or you may find it hard to chew. Your jaw may even click or pop when you move it. All of this can have an impact on your smile. If you’re in pain, you may not feel like smiling. And if you can’t bite and chew properly, your smile may not look its best.
Bruxism. In addition, TMJ/TMD is sometimes associated with bruxism, which is the clenching and grinding of the teeth. This causes damage to the smile as well as fatigue of the jaw joint and muscles. Wearing a nightguard when you sleep can reduce this damage and protect the smile when resting.

Request time to speak to our dental team about your options for treatment

Fortunately, there are treatments available for TMJ/TMD, including massage therapy, oral appliances, and in severe cases, surgery. If you think you might have this condition, talk to Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO. She can help you find the right treatment for you and get your smile back on track! Call 303-872-9940 to request a consultation visit at her office and start taking charge of your oral health and wellness along with your TMJ/TMD condition!

Posted: October 15, 2022 By: abhisake.jain

What is the Chao pinhole surgery technique used for?

Gum contouring, also referred to by our dentists as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile. Gum contouring aims to remove excess gum tissue or to even out the gum line. This can be done for aesthetic reasons or to improve oral health. Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, CO, is pleased to offer this special technique to help make gum grafting or recontouring a less invasive procedure than it once was.

What is the Chao pinhole surgical technique?

Chao pinhole surgery is one method of gum contouring. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that does not require cuts or stitches. Instead, Dr. Ania Mohelicki makes a small hole in the gums and uses special instruments to adjust the gum tissue. This method can be used to treat a variety of issues, including:

uneven gum lines
excess gum tissue
receding gums

Who is a good candidate for Chao pinhole surgery?

Most people who are unhappy with the appearance of their gums are good candidates for gum contouring surgery. If you have healthy gums and enough bone supporting your teeth, you may be a candidate for this minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Ania Mohelicki will work with you to determine if you are a good candidate for the Chao pinhole surgical technique during your consultation appointment. This is necessary before moving forward and booking your surgical visit.

What are some of the advantages of undergoing Chao pinhole surgery?

One of the primary benefits of Chao pinhole surgery is that it is a relatively quick and easy procedure. Recovery time is also shorter than with traditional gum contouring methods. There is less pain and swelling associated with Chao pinhole surgery, and patients can typically resume normal activities within a day or two.

Please request an appointment with our team to learn more about this and other restorative procedures available

If you are considering gum contouring, speak to Dr. Ania Mohelicki about whether Chao pinhole surgery is right for you. Call 303-872-9940 to request an appointment at her Boulder, CO, area practice and discuss your options.

Posted: September 15, 2022 By: abhisake.jain

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