Blog | Boulder Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

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: content.team

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: content.team

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: content.team

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: content.team

shirtless man holding dental floss and smiling

Habits that you may be doing that can damage your teeth

Did you know brushing and flossing alone can’t maintain oral health and wellness? Along with regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and evaluations, there are some habits you may have that may also be impacting your oral health. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, CO, can talk to you and your family about certain habits that can affect the teeth.

How am I damaging my teeth?

You might not realize it, but there are some habits that you do on a daily basis that can actually damage your teeth. Here are just a few of them:

Brushing too hard: You might think that brushing harder will clean your teeth better, but in reality, it can actually damage your tooth enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes instead.
Chewing on ice: This one might seem like a no-brainer, but chewing on hard objects can crack or chip your teeth. If you must chew on something, look for sugar-free gum instead.
Eating acidic and sugary foods: Foods and drinks with high acidity levels can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and susceptible to cavities. Sugary foods feed the bacteria in your mouth, which can also lead to cavities.
Grinding your teeth: This is a bad habit that many people are not even aware they do but grinding or clenching your teeth can put a lot of unnecessary stress on them and lead to chips or cracks. If you think you might be a grinder, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard.
Biting your nails: Not only can nail-biting contribute to jaw dysfunction, but it can also cause bacteria along the cuticles and cause common problems like ingrown nails. Nail biting can also cause chips in the teeth and wear them down.

Request an appointment with Dr. Ania Mohelicki today!

If you’re guilty of any of the above habits, don’t worry – it’s never too late to change! Be sure to see your dentist on a regular basis so they can keep an eye on the health of your smile. If you live in the community of Boulder, CO, and would like to speak to Dr. Ania Mohelicki about your oral health and wellness, call 303-872-9940. Request an appointment with our skilled and experienced dental provider to learn more about caring for the teeth and gums for a lifetime of beautiful and healthy smiles!

Posted: August 15, 2022 By: content.team

Why are routine dental cleanings important?

Dentist exam of young teen girl teeth. Professional dental cleanings are just one part of good oral health and wellness. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team often hear patients ask, “why are these routine cleanings important?” She can help you understand why prophylaxis, or professional cleanings, are essential to keeping the smile healthy for life!

Why are professional dental cleanings important?

Professional dental cleanings are important for several reasons.

Plaque and tartar removal. During professional cleanings, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that can build up on teeth over time. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, and tartar is hardened plaque. If plaque and tartar are not removed, they can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Preventative measures. Second, professional dental cleanings can help to prevent these problems from developing in the first place. By removing plaque and tartar, professional dental cleanings make it harder for these substances to damage teeth and gums.
Early detection of common dental conditions. With professional cleanings and evaluations, our dental team can help in detecting possible problems early on. Our dental professionals can spot potential issues, such as cavities or gum disease, during cleaning and recommend treatment before the problem gets worse.
Reducing stains. Over time, coffee, tea, and other dark-colored beverages can stain teeth. Professional dental cleanings can help to restore teeth to their natural color.
Fresher breath. Finally, professional dental cleanings can help to freshen your breath. Plaque and tartar can cause bad breath, but by removing these substances from teeth, professional dental cleanings can help improve a person’s breath.

How often should I visit the dentist for cleanings and evaluations?

The American Dental Association has always recommended that patients of all ages visit the dentist at least twice a year or every six months. If problems arise between appointments, such as pain or bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to investigate the problem and provide treatment.

How do I set up a dental cleaning?

If you reside in the Boulder, CO area and are ready to work with a dentist in your community that can provide a thorough cleaning and extensive evaluation for better oral health and wellness, we encourage you to call our office at 303-872-9940. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team are here to help!

Posted: July 15, 2022 By: content.team

photo of smiling woman wearing eyeglasses

How the simple act of smiling can improve your mood and self-confidence

Smiling is one of the simplest things that you can do to improve your mood and self-confidence. In fact, it’s been shown that the simple act of smiling can boost your mood and make you feel happier. It’s also been shown to increase self-esteem. If you’re feeling down or don’t feel very confident in yourself, try smiling for a few minutes and see how you feel afterwards. You may be surprised at just how good it makes you feel!

How smiling boosts your mood

There are a few reasons why smiling can naturally and immediately boost your mood. For one, when you smile, it releases endorphins. These are hormones naturally present in the body that make you feel good. Smiling also helps to change the way that you perceive yourself and the world around you. It can help to put things in perspective and make you feel more positive.

How smiling increases self-confidence

Smiling also has a positive effect on self-confidence. When you smile, it makes you feel happy and optimistic, which in turn boosts your confidence. In addition, smiling can help to make you appear more confident to others. This is because when you smile, it changes the way that you look, and people tend to associate smiling with being confident and happy.

The benefits of smiling are clear – it can boost your mood, increase self-confidence, and make you feel happier overall. However, if you have an imperfect smile, you may be less apt to smile. This is where Dr. Ania Mohelicki comes in. With the help of our team, patients are able to achieve a smile that they are WILLING to share with others because it’s beautiful! Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dental work that focuses on restoring the natural teeth and gums to look their best. It may include certain procedures such as:

Tooth-colored fillings
Porcelain veneers
Composite resin bonding
Professional teeth whitening and bleaching
Dental crowns
Dentures
Dental bridges
Dental implants

How do I learn more about cosmetic dentistry?

Enhancing the appearance of your smile can also help in achieving confidence, in addition to transforming the teeth. If you are located in the Boulder, CO area and want to speak to Dr. Ania Mohelicki about cosmetic dentistry, call 303-443-0998 to book an appointment. The office is open to new and returning patients.

Posted: May 15, 2022 By: content.team

How Invisalign can straighten your teeth

Patients of the Boulder, Colorado area have heard of alternative orthodontic treatments that can help them achieve their dream smile without metal brackets and wires. This treatment is known as Invisalign, and is growing in popularity for teen and adult patients who want to straighten their teeth in a more discreet manner. Invisalign is a highly desirable treatment that can be used to address mild to moderate malocclusion and bite alignment for both men and women.

How Invisalign works

With Invisalign, patients avoid the placement of metal brackets and wires on their smiles and instead have a series of clear plastic trays. These trays are used to achieve beautiful smiles without traditional orthodontia, which is one reason why this treatment is so popular. Patients start with the first tray and wear it for two weeks, at least 20 hours a day. Patients can remove the trays for brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking. After the two weeks, patients remove the tray and start using the next tray in their series. By the time they reach the final tray in their treatment, they are able to see the dramatic changes that have occurred with their smiles.

Why choose Invisalign orthodontics?

Invisalign orthodontics is a reliable treatment that can help teenagers and adults in achieving a smile that is properly aligned and beautiful. In the meantime, while undergoing their treatments, patients can feel confident in their appearance as the trays are difficult to notice from the natural tooth enamel. This allows patients to make changes without having to feel embarrassed by metal appliances present. A consultation visit with Dr. Ania Mohelicki is the first step in finding out more about this treatment and whether or not a patient is a proper candidate for this or other cosmetic services available at the office.

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, CO today to schedule a consultation appointment

Are you a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontics? Find out by calling our team of professionals today! Call 303-443-0998 to request an appointment with our team and discuss your unique dental needs. The office is located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 and is open to new patients.

Posted: April 15, 2022 By: content.team

What bad breath says about you

It’s no surprise that eating garlicy foods or onions can cause temporary bad breath. Many of us will avoid these types of food if we are going on a date. But what about constant bad breath? If you are dealing with more chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, your Boulder, CO area dentist may be able to help. Finding the cause and the source of the problem is the first step in finding relief!

What can cause bad breath?

Below are just a few of the more common reasons patients experience bad breath:

Certain foods and beverages
Poor oral health habits
Recent oral surgery (wounds or infection)
Dry mouth
Certain medications

The cause of bad breath says a lot about a patient and their oral habits. When patients have bad breath due to poor oral health, it tells others that you are not committed to achieving and maintaining good oral health habits and making your smile a priority. This can lead people to think negative thoughts about an individual and the way they care for themselves. But some people are not even aware that they have bad breath and might not realize it until someone else says something to them.

How to address bad breath

There are a few approaches to treating bad breath for patients to consider. This includes avoiding certain foods and beverages that can contribute to halitosis to improving oral health habits. Even those who thoroughly brush and floss their teeth may want to consider the benefits of integrating a special mouthwash or using a tongue scraper to further improve their halitosis. If the problem persists, it’s a good idea to talk to a dental provider about other avenues to addressing the issue once and for all!

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki to learn more about bad breath and what to do about it!

Boulder, CO area patients who are dealing with bad breath will want to speak to a professional about their options for treatment. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team are located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 and can be reached at 303-443-0998 to request a consultation appointment.

Posted: March 15, 2022 By: content.team

Man in pain holding his cheek with hand, suffering from bad tooth ache

What is TMJ and how does it impact my smile?

Many general dentists such as Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado work with patients who have questions about a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition, often caused TMJ or TMD, can become problematic for individuals, causing pain and discomfort. By getting a proper diagnosis of the condition and speaking to a professional about solutions, many patients can find relief with appropriate treatment. Below are some commonly asked questions about TMJ/TMD.

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, while TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects the jaw joint that hinges the upper and lower jaw together. It allows us to open and close our mouth for speaking, yawning, chewing, and talking. When this jaw joint becomes dysfunctional, it can result in various issues that may be difficult for patients to manage.

What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?

Common symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:

Clenching and grinding of the teeth
Pain in or around the jaw joint and surrounding muscles
Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw in the open or closed position
Chronic headaches and migraines
Neck, ear, shoulder, and head pain
Difficulty or pain opening or closing the jaw

How does TMJ/TMD affect my smile?

Some patients experience dysfunction of the jaw joint due to poor bite alignment, in which certain treatments such as orthodontic services can alleviate the issue. In some instances, the problem lies in the joint and muscles themselves. Patients with significant muscle pain may consider certain injectable treatments to manage pain and discomfort such as Botox. Treatment may also include wearing a specialized night guard or mouthguard to protect the teeth and reduce tension in the jaw joint. Once a patient has a definitive diagnosis of TMJ/TMD, they can work alongside Dr. Ania Mohelicki to find a solution that works!

Ready to learn more about TMJ/TMD?

Speak to a dentist with extensive experience in helping patients with this and many other dental concerns. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, Colorado encourage new patients to learn more about this condition to better understand how it can affect oral health. Call 303-443-0998 to schedule a visit with our team at 2919 Valmont Road, Ste. #106.

Posted: February 14, 2022 By: content.team

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