Koch Aesthetic Dentistry Birmingham Alabama – Blog

Are you one of the many Birmingham TMJ sufferers? If you are affected by Temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder, you know how the pain and discomfort can impact your life. Koch Aesthetic Dentistry has helped countless grateful Birmingham, Alabama TMJ patients by providing treatment and therapy to manage their TMJ disorder.

The Temporomandibular or jaw joint connects the lower jaw bone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw and facial pain, headaches, earaches, neck pain and chewing difficulty. TMJ disease is often associated with jaw clicking, locking or clenching, and can cause tooth damage and bone loss.

Many TMJ patients first unsuccessfully pursue relief from their frequent headaches. Many people do not realize they have TMJ disorder because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the pain. At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we can properly determine your specific TMJ issues and recommend an effective course of action.

Because a comprehensive treatment plan is most successful, we work hand-in-hand with a network of Birmingham TMJ specialists including ENT doctors, neurologists and physical therapists. There are many facets to this often misunderstood disorder. If you are suffering from jaw pain, we recommend a consultation with Dr. J. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham.

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry

2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323, Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, Alabama 35205

205-202-8618

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we take jaw pain seriously.

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our Birmingham dentistry patients and many report minimal discomfort. Root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many Alabama root canal patients, the procedure is no worse than getting a filling.

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, our goal is to help our root canal patients avoid the necessity of endodontic treatment by providing skilled dental care. However, if root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth, we provide the most advanced endodontic treatment in Alabama.

How do you know if you need a root canal? See your Koch Aesthetic Dentistry dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is crucial to visit your local endodontic dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination.

Call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama, at 205-202-8618 to schedule an appointment.

The Dental Spa

When my Birmingham clients ask me about tooth restoration, I usually tell them about fixed (or ‘traditional’) dental bridges or dental implants. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth which replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth (called a ‘pontic’) is fused to porcelain crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Tooth replacement has been a highly requested procedure at my Birmingham dental practice. Patients have expressed concern about tooth replacement for many years. Most of my questions have to do with the strength of the tooth replacement, and durability.

Dental implants are also popular choice for my tooth replacement patients. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached. The entire process takes several months, but consistently yields terrific results for Birmingham tooth restoration patients. My cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that I stay up to date on the latest advancements in tooth replacement procedures.

Both smile restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, too. Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many Birmingham area dental patients have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration alternatives.

Call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry and ask for Dr. J. Paul Koch to schedule an evaluation for dental implants. You can schedule your tooth restoration by calling us at 205-202-8618.