Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are present when there is dysfunction or pain involving the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). The TMJ is located just anterior to the ears and is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. The TMJ is used many times a day for everyday activities including chewing, talking, and yawning. ________________________________________ What Causes TMD? TMD can arise from many causes, often at the same time: • Genetics • Jaw injury • Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) • Dislocation or malposition of the joint disc • Habitual clenching and grinding (bruxism) • Chewing on one side • Muscle tension due to stress • Malocclusion (bad bite) • Impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) • Bad dental restorations (high spots in fillings and crowns) • Sleep breathing disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA) Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorders The symptoms of TMD can vary considerably from person to person but may include many of the following: • Pain or soreness in the jaw • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the joint • Difficulty or pain experienced when opening or closing the mouth or chewing • Lockjaw (inability or difficulty to open or close the mouth) • Ear-related symptoms: pain, tinnitus, hearing changes • Headaches, migraines • Neck, shoulder, or postural pain • Tooth or gum pain with no active decay • Midline shift or deep bite • Narrow dental arches (V shaped) • Habitual tongue thrusting • Numbness or tingling in the fingers or limbs • Apnea or other breathing issues ________________________________________ Diagnosis of TMD at Smile and Glow Dental Clinic At Smile and Glow Dental Clinic, we follow a neuromuscular dentistry protocol including: • Detailed medical history and clinical evaluation • Detailed intraoral examination, and extraoral-foundation examination • Detailed bite analysis through T-Scan (Digital occlusal analysis) • Radiographs: Full mouth x-ray (OPG), Lateral Cephalobram, TMJ views • Advanced imaging including Airway CBCT 3D volumetry, MRI, and whole body scan if required to rule out TMD contributors • Postural assessment • Sleep study (HST or PSG) • Functional tests using: o ULF-TENS (Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) o Jaw Tracker o MAT Scan What is TENS and How Can it Help TENS therapy is a major part of neuromuscular dentistry. It uses low-frequency electrical impulses to: • Relax muscles of the jaw and face • Block pain from reaching the brain • Increase levels of endorphins (natural pain-relievers) • Improve blood circulation reducing inflammation and tensions And then you'll record post muscle relaxation, and you'll have your natural jaw alignment to be able determine necessary treatment. ________________________________________ Advanced TMJ Disorder Treatment Options at Smile and Glow - Mogappair At Smile and Glow, both neuromuscular dentists and orthodontists take a holistic approach to treat TMJ-related pain. Treatment will include: • Removable splints (MORA - Mandibular Orthopedic Repositioning Appliance), • Orthotic therapy, • Occlusal corrections (braces, restorations), • Or, surgery if all else fails It is important to state that methods of treatment will be devised based on your jaw joint position, muscle function, and bite. ________________________________________ Team-Based Holistic Care for Long-Term Relief Managing TMD and other neuromuscular disorders will involve collaboration from: • Physiotherapists • ENT professionals • Sleep and breath professionals • Psychologists • Yoga/posture professionals Early diagnosis is critical. In general, we recommend evaluating every child by the age of seven. Anyone with chronic jaw, facial, neck, or body pain should be assessed immediately.

Save Your Tooth, Get Rid of Pain – Without Extraction At Smile & Glow Dental Clinic in Mogappair, we perform root canals that are pain-free and save your natural tooth. If you have pain, a toothache, swelling or tooth sensitivity then a root canal may be a better option than having it extracted. ________________________________________ When is a Root Canal Needed? Root canal (endodontic therapy) is recommended when the tooth pulp of your tooth becomes infected from: • Deep tooth decay and pain • Cracked or broken tooth • Continuous pain that is typically worse at night • Severe sensitivity to hot, cold, even sweet foods • Pus or swelling next to the tooth • Worn tooth causing sharp pain • Dental trauma or injury These signs indicate that if you do not remove or treat the infection you will continue to experience injury, pain and potentially more infection leading to eventual tooth loss. ________________________________________ What it means to have a tooth? In the human body, we have three layers of a tooth: • Enamel – outside layer, white, and also its the hardest layer • Dentin - yellowish, and its the middle layer, and its strong like bone • Pulp - very soft, has nerves and blood vessels Once decay, or an injury reaches the pulp then inflammation occurs, infection and pain occurs which is when a root canal is warranted. ________________________________________ What is Root Canal Treatment? Root canal removes the infected pulp of a tooth, disinfects the inner canals, and fills them up with biocompatible material to relieve pain and to keep people from losing their tooth. At Smile and Glow Dental clinic, Mogappair, we perform microscopic root canals, which is done with a higher level accuracy, speed of healing, and longevity success. ________________________________________ The Step-By-Step Process of Root Canal Treatment We offer a sterile and relaxed environment utilizing the most advance dental technology, rotary instrumentation. Here are the steps we will take to complete the treatment as comfortably as possible: 1. Diagnosis & Access - The decay is removed and access is made to the pulp. 2. Length Determination - We will establish the root length through x-ray imaging as well as apex locators. 3. Cleaning & Shaping - We will clean the infected tissue with rotary instrumentation and hand files. 4. Filling - The canals are filled with a safe and bio-inert filling material. 5. Restoration - The top portion of the tooth will be filled and the surface will be clean and flat in preparation for a crown. ________________________________________ Is a Crown always necessary after a Root Canal? Yes. A root-canal tooth will become more brittle over time. To keep this brittle tooth from breaking requires a dentist-custom fitted dental crown that helps provide strength and restores the full function. At our Mogappair branch, we have custom fit tooth-colored crowns that will give you a natural look and lasting results. ________________________________________ Why Choose Smile and Glow for Root Canal Treatment in Mogappair? Painless and precision • Microscope guided root canal procedure • Experienced Endodontic specialists • Latest technology for faster recovery • Convenient location in Mogappair, Chennai ________________________________________ Don't let tooth pain control your life. Smile and Glow Dental Clinic offer specialized root canal therapy with the latest techniques and digital imaging - all while causing you minimal pain.

When conventional or repeat root canal therapy does not completely heal an infection, periapical surgery, also called apicoectomy, may be the last chance for a tooth to be saved. At Smile and Glow Dental Clinic, Mogappair, our endodontists perform microscope-assisted periapical surgeries to aid with persistent infections and restore health to your tooth and surrounding bone. What is Periapical Surgery? Periapical means around the root apex of a tooth. Periapical surgery is recommended when a deep infection or lesion such as cyst or granuloma is present in the periapical area and is persistent, even after root canal treatment (RCT) has been completed. This small surgical intervention eliminates the source of the infection and allows surrounding bone and tissue to regenerate. When is Periapical Surgery Necessary? A periapical surgery procedure may be recommended in cases of: • Persistent pain, swelling or draining sinus despite RCT or re-RCT • Large periapical cysts or granulomas • Acute perforation in canal(s) or overfilled root canal materials • Severely curved or calcified root canal anatomy not allowing a complete cleaning • Instrument fractures within canal not allowing for effective cleaning • Trauma to tooth or root fractures noted at apex What Is The Procedure? Surgery done under local anesthesia can normally be completed in one appointment. 1. Flap Elevation: A small flap of gum will be elevated to gain access to the infected bone. 2. Bone Access: A small window will be precisely created in the bone to access the periapical lesion. 3. Lesion Removal: The infected tissue will be removed. 4. Root-End Resection: The tip of the root will be trimmed. 5. Root-End Sealing: A bio-regenerative material like MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) is used to seal the root end. 6. Closure: The flap will be sutured back into place for healing. Why Microscope Assisted Periapical Surgery? At Smile and Glow we utilize a dental surgical microscope for all periapical procedures, and here are some of the benefits: • Better magnification and illumination • Accurate identification of cracks or hidden canals • Minimal removal of bone (osteotomy) • Better incisions and suturing • Faster healing and less trauma Microscope-aided surgery significantly enhances the outcome by allowing for accurate detection, cleaner access, and longer-lasting sealing which ultimately reduces the risk of reinfection. Why it is important to NOT delay treatment If a periapical infection goes untreated, it will be allowed to spread and damage nearby bone, and adjacent teeth. Periapical surgery aims to save the affected tooth, restore comfort, and help avoid extraction. Are you looking for expert periapical surgery in Mogappair? Let the experienced hands at Smile and Glow Dental Clinic, and our advanced technology, take care of your dental procedure. Schedule your consultation with our microscope endodontics team now, and take the first step towards saving your natural tooth.

Retreatment of Root Canal Failure in Mogappair – Save Your Tooth at Smile and Glow Root canal treatment is designed to be permanent. However, this is not always the case. A tooth that has been previously treated may still hurt due to developing an infection that may not have been seen earlier or technical limitations with the initial root canal. The good news is that at Smile and Glow Dental Clinic, Mogappair, we specialize in the retreatment of failed root canals using the latest microscopic techniques to preserve and restore your natural tooth. What causes root canal treatment to fail? Even if the original treatment was done correctly, there are numerous factors that may lead to reinfection or a delayed healing response. • Missed canal- There may have been a hidden or extra canal present during the initial treatment. • Improper cleaning- The canal may not have been cleaned or sealed completely. • Too long of a delay between treatment and the placement of the crown- The oral environment established seal failures around the crown of the tooth, therefore allowed bacteria back into it. • Complex root anatomy- The shape of the canal may have been too curved or narrow and therefore may not have received proper cleaning. These problems can lead to symptoms that include: • Persistent pain or sensitivity in the tooth that was treated • Tenderness when chewing or tapping the tooth • Swelling in the area of the gums, face, or neck • A pimple-like bump or sinus tract on the gums (indicating a pus pathway) • A bad taste or foul breath from infection ________________________________________ Can Retreatment Really Happen? Yes—a failed root canal absolutely can be retreated. Using advanced equipment such as a dental operating microscopes and the knowledge and skills of our expert endodontists, it is possible for us to fully clean the tooth, properly seal it, and keep it for the long haul. ________________________________________ Retreatment at Smile and Glow 1. Re-accessing the Tooth The treated tooth is re-accessed by removing the crown or filling. 2. Removal of Old Root Canal Materials The old filling materials are removed to access the canal system. 3. Evaluation Under Microscope We will look for missed canals, unusual anatomy, or areas of reinfection using a dental microscope. 4. Deep Cleaning and Shaping In this step, the canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected—the full length of each root. 5. Sealing Your Tooth The root canals are tightly sealed (obturated) to prevent future reinfection. 6. Restoration A quality filling or crown will be placed on the tooth, protecting it and restoring function. ________________________________________ Why Choose Smile and Glow for Retreatments? • Experienced Micro-Endodontic Specialists We use dental microscopes to find and treat teeth with the most difficult and complex root canal challenges. • Better Success Rates Most retreated but suitably treated teeth heal completely and last many years with adequate sealing. • Patient Focused Practice We focus on your comfort, while minimizing discomfort, and providing honest and straightforward recommendations for doing what is best for your tooth. ________________________________________ Don't Rush in for Extraction – Let Us Help You Save Your Tooth Just because of a failed root canal, does not mean your tooth is a failure. At the Smile and Glow Dental Clinic in Mogappair, we help patients with retreatment procedures, preventing unnecessary extractions. Book a consultation to see how you can save your tooth, and have confidence in your smile restored.

Root Canal Treatment is a highly effective dental procedure designed to save and repair teeth affected by deep decay, infection, or injury. By removing the infected pulp, cleaning the canals, and sealing them, the treatment eliminates pain and restores tooth functionality. Modern techniques ensure the process is virtually painless and quick. Preserve your natural smile with this safe and long-lasting solution, performed by skilled dental professionals committed to your oral health.