Face
Dentistry
The simple answer is “Yes – dentistry can give you a headache” – and I am not just speaking about the unexpected emergency fee! Let me explain here how patients often do not associate symptoms with dentistry.
I recently had a new patient visit me as they had just moved to the area and during our New Patient Consultation I always check what we call in the business, ‘the function of the TMJ joint’. In other words we are looking to see that you can use your jaw muscles and joints efficiently and without pain as this can have such an impact on the quality of your life. The gentleman in question had recently had a crown placed at his previous dental practice and it certainly was a beautiful looking crown. My consultation however, revealed that my patient had started to suffer from headaches. He told me that there was tenderness in the side of the face and this radiated into headaches, which was particularly painful on waking in the morning. Further investigation revealed what I suspected – that the new crown was not in harmony with the jaw joint interfering with the function of his jaw. The new crown was also quite tender, however, he had put this down to it settling in after treatment.
This had gone on for several months and had started to impact on his sleep meaning that my patient found it tricky to focus at work and his partner was accusing him of being a Grumpy Old Man! Unfortunately I have seen many cases where this has gone unrecognised and untreated as TMJD is generally an optional postgraduate study. To compound the problem many other healthcare professionals are not aware of the dental solution for TMJ treatment. In untreated cases this can result in the development of an anxiety disorder or depression, as the feelings of frustration and defeat increase as the pain remains. I am grateful to work at Evolve Dentistry, where this disorder is recognised and I have the opportunity to literally change patients’ lives. How do I do this?
Once I have the diagnosis then sometimes it is a simple case of adjusting the bite of the patient and this I would do in the course of the consultation. In this case, my patient and I decided that a de-programming appliance would be the best treatment option. His appliance once adjusted after it was made in the laboratory ensuring a bespoke fit for this patient. The great news is that I can report that the patient found relief from his headaches within a fortnight of wearing the appliance at night and most importantly to him, his partner was delighted to see him like his old self again. The key message here is that patients do not always associate their facial pain and headaches with dental care, so it is important to attend for regular examinations not just for your oral health but also for your total well-being.
If you suspect you maybe suffering from a TMJ disorder or you have a family, friend or colleague who has these symptoms then contact one of Evolve’s friendly and efficient Welcome Team to find out more information or to book your consultation by calling 01275 842550 today.
Dr Jonathan Sproson
Dr Jonathan Sproson is a General and Cosmetic Dentist at Evolve Dentistry and was a previous finalist for Dentist of the Year in National Dental Awards.
He started to study TMJ disorders when he started seeing more complex cosmetic cases. This was to ensure the longevity of the work he does for his patients.
From here TMJD became a particular special interest and now enjoys the huge professional reward that comes from relieving patients’ of the cycle of despair they find themselves in when they suffer pain from TMJD.
Jonathan is a member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies as well as a Full Member of The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He regularly lectures to other professionals on TMJD and is passionate about collaborating with other medics and body therapists to help patients with TMJD.
🪥 Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
Many people think a little bleeding is normal, but it’s often your gums’ way of telling you that something isn’t quite right.
In this video, Dr Richard Ford explains some of the most common reasons gums bleed and what you can do to improve your gum health at home.
The good news is that, in many cases, bleeding gums can be improved with the right oral hygiene routine and professional support.
Watch the video to learn more and let us know if you’ve got a dental question you’d like us to answer next.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
🦷 Dental myth or dental fact? 🤔
One of the most common myths we hear is that teeth whitening is bad for your teeth.
In this video, Maggie explains why professionally prescribed teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when carried out under the guidance of a dental professional.
Unfortunately, misinformation can stop people from exploring treatments that could help them feel more confident about their smile. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing trusted advice and helping patients make informed decisions about their oral health.
Have you heard any dental myths that you’re not sure about? Let us know in the comments below. 👇
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning
#patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles
#smilemakeovers #healthysmile
#acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead
#clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #teethwhitening
#whiteteeth #smileconfidence #cosmeticdentistry
#dentalmyths #oralhealth
🥤 Are sugary drinks really bad for your teeth?
It’s a question we hear all the time.
In this video, our Therapist Flora explains how sugary drinks can affect your teeth and why it’s not just the amount of sugar that matters, but how often you’re having it throughout the day.
The good news? You don’t have to give up all your favourite drinks. A few simple changes can make a big difference to your oral health.
Watch Flora’s advice and let us know if there’s a dental question you’d like us to answer next.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
At Evolve, we’re incredibly proud of our team - not just for the care they provide to our patients, but for the difference they make beyond the practice too. 💜
On 30 July, our wonderful dental nurse, Kayse, and her brother will be taking on an incredible challenge by completing a charity skydive in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
They’re stepping well outside their comfort zones to raise money for a cause that means so much. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect millions of families, taking away precious memories and changing lives forever. By supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, they’re helping to fund vital research into better treatments and, one day, a cure.
Their fundraising target is £650, and every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.
If you’d like to support Kayse and her brother, you can donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/jordankayse
Good luck with the jump Kayse - we know you’ll be amazing! ✈️💜
#TeamEvolve #Fundraising #AlzheimersResearchUK #CommunitySupport #Skydive
“How long will it take?” 🤔
It’s one of the first questions we hear from patients considering teeth straightening - and the honest answer is that every smile is different.
Some patients achieve their desired results in as little as six months, while more complex cases may take longer. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment is carefully planned from the start, so you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect before treatment begins.
At Evolve Dentistry, we’ll assess your smile, discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.
Whether you’re looking to correct crowding, close gaps or improve the overall appearance of your smile, the journey may be shorter than you think.
📍 Portishead
📞 Contact our team to arrange a consultation and discover what’s possible for your smile.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
It’s World Wellbeing Week, and we’d love to hear from you!
Looking after your wellbeing doesn’t have to mean making big changes. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference - a walk in the fresh air, spending time with family, exercising, reading a good book or enjoying a coffee with a friend.
At Evolve, we know that looking after your wellbeing is an important part of living a happy, healthy life.
So, here’s our question:
💙 What is your favourite way to look after your wellbeing?
Share your answer in the comments below - you might inspire someone else to try something new!
#WorldWellbeingWeek #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
☀️ Staying cool during the heatwave ☀️
We’ve seen that some local schools are closing due to the extreme temperatures this week, but we’d like to reassure our patients that Evolve Dentistry remains open as usual.
Our practice is fully air-conditioned, providing a cool and comfortable environment for your appointment, and we always have plenty of chilled water available for patients and visitors.
If you have an appointment booked with us, please continue to attend as planned. If you’re travelling in the heat, we recommend allowing a little extra time for your journey and bringing a water bottle with you.
Thank you for your continued support, and please take care in the hot weather. 🌞💙
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
📞 If you have any questions about your appointment, please get in touch with our team.
