One common misconception patients have when they get a cavity filled is that their filling will last a lifetime. While it would be nice if that were true, the resin composite material used in most fillings lasts about 20 years, give or take a few. But sometimes fillings break down much sooner than anticipated, with some lasting as few as five years. So, what’s going on with those fillings? Are they made of inferior materials? Were they placed incorrectly? Or maybe there’s something else going on that could be causing them to wear out early. Here are some common reasons fillings break down sooner than expected.

Dental implants have long been considered the Cadillac of tooth replacements. Comprising a metal post that permanently secures to the jaw and a ceramic crown that secures to the top of the post, the result is a beautiful, durable, natural-looking tooth or teeth. In fact, most dental implants look so natural most people don’t even realize they’re not "real" teeth.

Imagine if there were a single device that would let you tighten and tone your face muscles, create a chiseled jawline, and maybe even eliminate or reduce signs of temporomandibular joint disorder and sleep apnea. Well, if you believe the hype for the Jawzrsize device, you may have just found it.

For the nearly 25 percent of people around the globe who suffer from the debilitating disorder known as temporomandibular jaw disorder, or TMD, finding relief can become an all-consuming effort. Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition of the temporomandibular joint of the jaw, which causes jaw pain, stiffness, difficulty speaking and chewing, tinnitus, neck and back pain, and even migraine headaches.

Having a surgical procedure is stressful for anyone, but when you have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, surgical procedures can be extra problematic, especially when your jaw won’t open wide enough to accommodate a breathing tube. But a clinical trial at the Houston-based Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center hopes to change that.

If you are missing permanent teeth - especially back teeth that nobody can see when you speak or smile - you may not think replacing them is important, or at least not that urgent. But the truth is, the longer you go without replacing missing teeth, the more damage you could be doing to your health. That’s because, believe it or not, missing permanent teeth is more than just a cosmetic issue, it’s a health issue, too. Here’s why you shouldn’t put off replacing missing adult teeth.

When many people here the term "full mouth reconstruction," it causes some confusion. Full mouth reconstruction sure sounds serious, and even painful - but believe it or not, it's not as scary as it sounds. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly full mouth reconstruction means and how it can help you, keep reading!What exactly is full mouth reconstruction, anyway?Full mouth reconstruction is the process of completely correcting your smile through a variety of different medical procedures. Full mouth reconstruction isn’t merely a functional and health-related restoration, but a cosmetic restoration, too.Full mouth reconstruction comprises a combination of different procedures, all designed to restore health, beauty and functionality to your teeth. Each procedure and its duration varies by individual, but all procedures are customized to help you look your best.What procedures are considered part of full mouth reconstruction?Full mouth reconstruction can entail a combination of many different procedures. Common procedures may include:• Orthodontics• Dental implants• Veneers• Bonding• Crowns• Bridges• Neuromuscular dentistryTo begin full mouth reconstruction, Dr. George will first look at the condition of the teeth. If they are healthy, no further work on the teeth themselves may be required. However, if they are not, they may require fillings, crowns, root canals or even tooth extraction. Once the teeth are healthy, the next stage of reconstruction can begin.If teeth have been removed, time is of the essence in getting them replaced. This can help prevent or reduce bone loss and periodontitis, and it can even help keep your bite in place and increase the odds of your implant successfully taking to your jaw. If an implant is not an option, bridges may be a suitable plan B.Once the teeth are healthy, the next step may be to address the alignment of the bite. This not only improves the look of your smile, but will also improve the health of your teeth. That’s because when your teeth are in proper alignment, they will wear more evenly and be less likely to chip or break. They will also be less likely to cause bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If TMD is already present, neuromuscular dentistry may be used to correct the bite and address any issues with the jaw or bite. This can be done with custom orthotics, orthodontics or both.Once any TMD or bite issues are corrected, any damage to the teeth can be repaired. This may include veneers or bonding. Veneers can change not just the color of the teeth, but also the shape and size. Bonding is similar to veneers in that they both address the appearance of the teeth, but the procedure and how the materials adhere to the teeth are different. With veneers, a thin sheet of porcelain is attached to the tooth. Some of the tooth is cut away to make room for the veneer, and then the veneer is attached to the outward-facing portion of the tooth. The benefits of veneers include that they are durable and don’t stain, so you can change the color of your teeth without worry that it will darken or stain over time.Bonding is more like a filling. It covers just a portion of the teeth, and it does not last as long as a veneer. It can also stain, but unlike a veneer, bonding does not require custom shaping and can be done in one visit. If no veneers or bonding are required, whitening treatment may also be an effective option.BenefitsIn addition to improving the appearance of your teeth and smile, full mouth reconstruction can also improve your bite and ease tension in the jaw, neck, back and head. It can also eliminate bruxism as well as the signs of past bruxism. And finally, full mouth restoration can improve something money can’t buy – your self-confidence.To learn more about how full mouth restoration can restore your healthy, beautiful smile, give Dr. George’s office a call at 724-934-3422 and schedule an appointment today.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, you'd probably do just about anything to get fast relief. That could explain the soaring popularity of a controversial new TMD treatment, which uses the cosmetic injectable Botox to stop the temporomandibular joint from clenching up, helping to ease the pain and stiffness caused by TMD.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD) affects approximately 10 million Americans, but treating the disorder can often be a challenge. That’s because many people don’t even realize they have TMD in the first place. Temporomandibular joint disorder occurs in the jaw and affects the TMJ, jaw bones and many of the connective muscles. Symptoms of TMD can include headaches, jaw pain, jaw clicking, teeth grinding, neck pain, difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. But many TMD sufferers never realize they have the condition, because the symptoms come and go, and some, like teeth grinding and jaw clicking, can happen without you even realizing it.

Are you a fan of HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, where experts show average Americans just how easy it is to "do it yourself," or DIY, home renovations? Well, it may be easy to install your own tile backsplash or create the perfect accent wall, but there are some things that really are best left to the experts. One of those things is the treatment of your temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. Here’s why.A quick Google search for at-home TMD treatments can easily yield dozens of results. At-home, one-size-fits-all orthotics can be purchased online and at the pharmacy for as little as $15. When you compare that to the cost of a complete neuromuscular dentistry treatment and possible full-mouth reconstruction, it seems like you’re getting an amazing deal. But the truth isn’t always what it seems.Save Your Money - Or Your SmileFifteen bucks to treat a TMD seems like a bargain until you realize that A) it won’t work, and B) it will probably end up making your TMD worse. So not only are you out the $15, but you still must also treat your TMD professionally, and it may even end up costing you more money depending on how much damage the OTC treatment caused.One Size Doesn’t Fit AllHow many times have you seen something that claims to be "one size fits all" only to buy it and find that it most certainly doesn’t? That’s because we’re all built differently - and even the more modern "one size fits most" can be misleading with so many variations in body types.And just like those drug store sunglasses that don’t quite sit properly on your nose or that sun hat you bought that constantly falls in your eyes, contrary to what these orthotic manufacturers would like you to believe, their "one-size-fits-all" approach to TMD treatment can’t work, either.That’s because there is no "one size fits all" solution to TMD. For starters, everyone’s mouth is shaped differently. Our jaws, teeth, bite and temporomandibular joints are all different - and so are our specific problems. Even with neuromuscular dentistry, the same treatment plan that helped your brother may not do anything for you – or it might make your TMD worse.But What About Boil and Bite?A lot of people think they can get professional results from a "boil and bite" aligner. These mouth guards are roughly the same shape as your jaw, but you can customize them further by boiling them and then biting into the softened material inside. This creates a perfect fit to your teeth - and only your teeth. In theory, this sounds like a great idea, but these aligners are really designed for athletes who must protect their teeth during a sport or strenuous physical activity. And while these OTC aligners are somewhat customized, treating a TMD is about more than just protecting your teeth.Aside from a boil and bite aligner not accounting for every piece of what is often a multi-faceted problem, these aligners also have the potential to make TMDs worse. That’s because if they don’t account for individual issues within the TMD, they could actually push your jaw further out of alignment. Remember that part about one size not fitting all? Well, if your jaw needs to move slightly forward and your best friend’s needs to move a little backward, if you use the same OTC aligner that pushes your jaw forward, her jaw will get worse and yours might get worse too if it's pushed too far or not forward enough. Worse yet, you could force your bite out of alignment in such a way that requires orthodontic correction further down the road!The Neuromuscular Dentistry DifferenceSo, what is the solution? Neuromuscular dentistry is the most effective way to treat TMDs, often to the point of completely eliminating your symptoms. We do this by treating not just one area of the mouth, such as the bite or the jaw, but every area affected by the TMD, so that all the pieces of the mouth and jaw work together harmoniously. This not only corrects every problem caused by or causing the TMD pain, but it also helps ensure that the TMD stays away permanentlyNo TMD treatment plan is identical, but they all work toward the same goal: getting rid of your TMD pain. If you’re interested in learning more about how neuromuscular dentistry can help your TMD, please give Dr. Alexandra George’s office a call at 724-934-3422 and schedule a consultation.

When you have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), simple things like eating can be extremely difficult. That’s because the jaw pain and stiffness that often goes hand in hand with a TMD can make chewing anything from painful to nearly impossible. Thankfully, there are some foods that are easier on the temporomandibular joint than others. If you suffer from TMD pain, check out this list of TMD-safe (and not-so-safe) foods.

If you’re one of the 28 million Americans who suffer from debilitating headaches known as migraines, you are most likely familiar with how agonizing they can be. But as if the pain, nausea, light sensitivity and dizziness that frequently accompany migraine headaches wasn’t enough, some migraine sufferers may be in for more bad news. That’s because, according to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people who get migraine headaches are three times more likely to suffer from another painful disorder known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD for short.

It’s that time of year again, when the days get longer, the grills get hotter and millions of parents across America experience the bittersweet emotions of watching their children graduate from high school and college. Graduation brings with it many new and exciting opportunities, like traveling abroad, choosing a major and entering the job market for the first time. What should be an exciting time in any young person’s life can often be marred with frustration and insecurity - especially if that young person is embarrassed or ashamed of their smile. That’s because in addition to causing its share of health issues, having a bad bite, broken or crooked teeth, or even noticeably missing teeth can harm people’s perception of you. It’s bad enough in social situations, but studies have shown that having a bad smile can also seriously hurt your career aspirations.

 As we age, it’s normal to experience many changes to our face and bodies that, let's be honest, aren’t too desirable. We slow down physically, our hair turns gray, and as our skin loses collagen, it becomes thinner and less elastic. Thankfully there are many options out there to help stave off the ravages of time for as long as possible. Staying physically fit can help keep us active long into our senior years, and a relaxing trip to the day spa can rejuvenate our spirits while it corrects our hair color. We can even eat a low-sugar diet, wear lotion with an SPF or get cosmetic treatments like Botox or fillers to help maintain a youthful glow. But sometimes these preventative measures just aren’t enough.

 According to a 2015 study in the journal American Family Physician, an estimated 15 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from the condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder, or simply TMJD. But while so many people suffer from the often-debilitating symptoms of this joint disorder, the study found that only about 5 percent of sufferers seek help for the condition.

A lot has changed in the world of child-raising in the past few decades. In 1992, when Cryo-Cell International first began banking "cord blood" (the blood extracted from a newborn’s umbilical cord at birth and then frozen), many people thought the idea seemed too out-there and futuristic to bother with. It was also unproven, expensive and not widely available.

Sedation Safety Week. Admittedly, it probably doesn’t sound that exciting. After all, it’s a week about being sedated. Theoretically, it probably shouldn’t be exciting - but it should be informative, and that’s exactly what the 10th annual Sedation Safety Week was.

 Becoming a new parent is one of the happiest and scariest things you may ever do. There’s so much to learn, and so much to marvel at - sometimes it's overwhelming. Diverse cultures have different ways of raising babies and place different values on milestones. But what all babies and all cultures have in common are the very basics in health care. An important part of any new baby’s health care that many new parents get wrong is their baby’s oral health. After all, if baby has no teeth, is there really anything to be concerned about? In a word, yes. Whether you’re a new parent, new grandparent or just curious about infant oral health care, check out these tips to ensure a life of healthy teeth for your baby.Gums Need Brushing, Too!A common misconception among new parents is that just because baby doesn’t have any teeth, he or she doesn’t need his or her mouth cleaned. This isn’t true for several reasons. Cleaning a baby’s mouth should be relatively easy. There are several ways to do it. There are products sold specifically to clean infant mouths, such as pre-moistened dental wipes that either fit over the finger or can be folded to a shape that is convenient for the parent. These wipes can be used to swab your baby's gums, tongue and cheeks after each feeding, especially after the last feeding of the night.Another method you can try is simply rubbing baby’s gums with a fluoride-free toothpaste. It is important to not use fluoridated oral health products on your child until he or she is old enough to spit the product out. Fluoride is not dangerous, but we certainly don’t want your child swallowing it, either.Finger or cloth brushing has dual benefits. Not only does it clean the mouth, but it also gets your child used to the feeling of having his or her teeth brushed, which will be very helpful when it comes time to brush actual teeth - and to visit the dentist!Even Babies Need to Visit the Dentist!Don’t think that just because your baby has only one or two teeth he or she doesn’t need to see the dentist. You should start bringing your baby to the dentist by his or her first birthday, regardless if teeth have erupted. This will get your baby comfortable with the dentist and dental exam and give you some peace of mind that all your child’s teeth are developing properly. If Dr. George spots any trouble areas, they can also be corrected before they become a big problem later.Don’t Share Cups and Spoons!You may already do this without even thinking about it. You make baby some oatmeal and taste a bit to make sure it's not too hot. Then you put more on the spoon and feed it to the baby. No big deal, right? Wrong!Believe it or not, the bad bacteria in our mouths - the bacteria responsible for everything from cavities to gum disease - can be transmitted by sharing a cup or spoon. So, when you, as an adult, put that spoon into your mouth and then into your baby’s mouth, you are transmitting a whole bunch of bacteria your baby may never have been exposed to otherwise, setting him or her up for a lifetime of cavities.If you must test your baby’s food, get a clean spoon, and don’t double dip. Same goes for cups. If your baby or toddler wants to try a little of your drink, get him or her their own cup - and never, ever share toothbrushes!Is Breast(feeding) Really Best?You’ve probably heard the debate "breast is best" versus "fed is best." The truth is, it’s a very personal decision that should be between you, your baby and possibly your partner and pediatrician. We all have different reasons for how we choose to feed our babies. The most important thing to remember is that feeding your baby is the ultimate goal. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for your choices.When it comes to brushing baby’s teeth, it doesn’t matter which method you use to feed your child. Both require you to brush and care for baby’s teeth and gums. A recent study shows children who breastfeed beyond 24 months have a higher risk of developing cavities, but there are too many variables missing from the study to know for sure how much of a role the breast milk itself plays in the formation of cavities. Plenty of babies breastfeed beyond 24 months and have no cavities. It’s really all about how you care for your baby’s teeth when he or she is not eating.If you have any further questions or concerns about infant oral health care, please give Dr. George a call at 724-934-3422.

 The human tongue is a bit of a wonder to many people. It is necessary to swallow and speak, it helps blow bubblegum, and it heals remarkably fast when you accidentally bite or burn it. But did you know that it also can give you a few red flags when your body isn’t operating at peak performance? If you notice any changes in your tongue, pay attention – it could be trying to tell you something!

With cold season in full swing and multiple strains of a deadly flu ravaging the country this winter, for most people, staying healthy and finding relief when necessary is a top priority. But what you may not realize is that the very medicines that help provide that much-needed relief from cold and flu symptoms could be doing a number on your oral health. That’s because, according to Wexford, Pennsylvania, dentist Alexandra George, some over-the-counter (and even some prescription) medications are packed with a sneaky hidden ingredient: sugar.