Could Your Headache and Neck Pain Be Caused By a TMJ Disorder?
December 17, 2014
Do you often have unexplained head pain and jaw stiffness? You could be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Millions of people suffer from the headaches, neck pain, and joint and muscle soreness of TMJ disorder without knowing it. Untreated TMJ disorder can make it difficult to eat or even speak. If you suspect that you may have developed a TMJ disorder, make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey for a TMJ disorder evaluation and treatment plan today. They can determine if your pain and discomfort stem from a TMJ disorder. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve patients of all ages throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and nearby communities.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a group of degenerative conditions involving the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding muscles. This area is responsible for the jaw movement necessary to talk and eat. The joint slides and rotates just in front of your ear, connecting the temporal bone (side of the skull) with the mandible (lower jaw). TMJ disorder can fall into one of three categories:
- Myofascial pain: discomfort or pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Injury: resulting from a dislocated jaw or displaced disc
- Degenerative joint disease: rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the jaw joint
What are the Signs of TMJ Disorder?
- Jaw pain or soreness that is specific to a certain time of day
- Jaw pain when you chew or yawn
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Locked or stiff jaw
- Sensitive teeth in the absence of infection or gum disease
- An earache without an ear infection
Who’s at Risk for Developing TMJ Disorder?
No one knows the exact cause of TMJ disorder. However, TMJ disorder does affect twice as many women as men. Trauma to the jaw or jaw joint can sometimes play a role in development of the disorder, but in most cases the cause of the disorder is unknown. However, stressful situations can aggravate the symptoms. The discomfort you experience is caused by the overuse of the jaw joint muscles, especially if you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism). These excessive habits can tire the jaw muscles and lead to the associated pain and discomfort in the head and neck.
TMJ Disorder Evaluations in Hillsboro, OR
The Dentists at Orenco Station can evaluate and treat you for TMJ disorder. Many patients have been able to eliminate and even reverse their TMJ disorder with non-invasive oral appliance therapy. You can make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey for immediate TMJ symptom relief with a custom oral appliance today. Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey are highly qualified general and restorative dentists. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve families throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and the surrounding areas.
The Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease
November 17, 2014
Have you ever discovered that your gums we’re sore or bleeding after brushing your teeth or eating? You may think that it resulted from brushing too hard or getting food stuck between your teeth, but it could be a sign of advanced gum disease. If left untreated, the gum disease Gingivitis can advance into full blown Periodontitis. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Don’t let gum disease rob you of your healthy smile. The easiest way to stop gum disease in its tracks is to visit a dentist for a check-up and cleaning. If caught early enough, gum disease treatment can actually be reversed. Make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey at Orenco Station Dental today. They want to help you save your healthy teeth. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve families throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek and surrounding areas.
Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Mouth pain
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus or mucus between gums and teeth
- Mouth sores
- Halitosis
- A change in your bite
- Dentures or partials no longer fit
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment in Hillsboro, OR
Remember that gum disease is serious but treatable. No matter how well we take care of our teeth at home, there is no substitution for a regular dental check-up and professional cleaning. The dentist can find and remove plaque and tarter that you just can’t see at home. A small investment of time for a regular dental check up can save you the time and money needed for restorative dental procedures to save your teeth from advanced gum disease. Don’t delay; make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey at Orenco Station Dental. The Dentists at Orenco Station restore smiles daily throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek and nearby communities.
Achieve A Perfect Smile with Porcelain Veneers
September 17, 2014
You may look at pictures of people in magazines or newspapers, and find yourself being envious of their perfect smiles. Feeling unhappy with your smile can cause a lot of self doubt in your overall appearance, and, surprisingly, can negatively affect the way you interact with the people around you. Though you may feel as though there is nothing you can do in order to accomplish your dream smile, there are many cosmetic dental procedures that are able to give you the amazing results you want! Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey are able to deliver amazing smile results to their patients every day using porcelain veneers at their Hillsboro, OR dental office.
Porcelain veneers are able to yield amazing results because they are able to completely revolutionize your smile in a relatively short amount of time. Porcelain veneers are able to cover many flaws within one’s smile, including gaps, misalignments, cracks, chips, stains, and more! Being able to mask years of wear and tear on your smile, they are a wonderful option for those wanting to give themselves a completely new look!
The process begins with a consultation with one of our doctors. Having to evaluate the current condition of your smile, they will be able to tell you whether or not porcelain veneers are the right option for you. You will also be able to use that time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure, as we want you to be as informed as possible throughout the entire process. We will make impressions of your smile, and send them to a dental lab to have your veneers custom made. As your veneers are being made, we will keep in mind your wants and needs for your new smile, as well as your facial aesthetic. When your veneers are ready, our doctors will place them and make them permanent with dental resin cement. At the end of the procedure, you are left with an entirely new smile you cannot wait to show off! If you would like the help of Drs. Kearbey with porcelain veneers, contact our office today!
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They are happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Find Relief in Your Tooth Pain with Root Canal Therapy
August 15, 2014
You can talk to anyone who has had to live with pain, and they will all say that it is never an enjoyable or easy experience. Living in pain is never an easy experience, and can be taxing on the mind, body, and heart. One of the worst pains someone can live with is tooth pain, causing your entire mouth to ache. Though some people may be quick to dismiss it as mere discomfort, there can be many underlying issues within your smile causing your tooth to ache. If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey are able to put you at ease with root canal therapy.
A root canal is needed when a cavity has taken control of your tooth and has started infecting the pulp within your tooth, or when there has been some sort of dental trauma. When the bacteria in your mouth infects the pulp of your tooth, the result is pain and pressure. It is important to make sure that you contact our office if you are experiencing tooth pain, as the bacteria have the capability of entering your blood stream if left untreated. A few signs that you may need a root canal are a sharp pain when you chew, pressure on the tooth causes immediate pain, swelling and discoloring in the gum tissue, and severe sensitivity to hold or cold foods and beverages.
Our doctors will begin your root canal therapy by addressing the infected tooth. They will remove the pulp and the nerve, immediately alleviating you of your pain. After that, they will fill the tooth with a biocompatible material, and top the tooth off with a crown, as to make sure no bacteria is able to make its way back to your tooth. If you would like Drs. Kearbey’s help in alleviating you of your tooth pain with root canal therapy, contact our office today!
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They are happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Celebrate Summer with Teeth Whitening!
July 10, 2014
Feeling confident in your smile is one of the best feelings a person can have. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and when you are completely happy in the way you present yourself to people, it can induce a very satisfying, secure feeling. However, when you are not happy with your smile, it can definitely have the opposite effects. One reason why someone may be unhappy with their smile is because of the lack of shine! Have a beautiful, white smile is something that many people want and may think is too difficult to accomplish. Dr. Malinda Kearbey and Dr. Brandon Kearbey are able to give you the beautiful, white smile you have always wanted using teeth whitening at their Hillsboro, OR dental office!
There are many things that can affect the luminosity of your smile, such as genetics, certain medications, alcohol use, foods and beverages. The way we are able to help you achieve the shiny smile you want is by offering at-home teeth whitening and in-office teeth whitening using the Kör Whitening Deep Bleaching System. With in-office whitening, you get your bright results in about an hour, and go on with the rest of your day! Simple and convenient!
The at-home whitening is for patients that would prefer a more gradual change in their smile. We will create bleaching trays that are made to fit your mouth and your mouth only, and we will also supply you with the whitening gel. Simply fill the trays with the gel and wear them as you sleep. Overnight, the gel will pulverize stains sitting on your smile, and every day your teeth will get whiter and whiter. After about two weeks, you will see the full results! If you are curious as to how Drs. Kearbey are able to whiten your smile, contact our Hillsboro, OR dental office today, and we would love to help!
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They are happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Enjoy Summer with a Full Smile Using Dental Implants
June 13, 2014
With summer knocking at your door, many people are doing everything they can to make sure they look their absolute best for the summer season. Whether it is buying the best food for the barbeque or going to the gym to get ready for the beach, many people are wanting to have as much fun and feel as confident inside and out as possible. If you have teeth missing from your smile, you may find it difficult to find confidence in the way you look. You are sure to reconnect with old friends and meet many new people this summer season, so making the best impression is important. Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey understands the struggle his patients go through when they have teeth missing from their smile, and he is able to give them the smile they have always wanted using dental implants.
A dental implant is a small piece of biocompatible titanium that is placed directly into an empty tooth socket. The titanium post-like implant will act as a new tooth root, and will prevent the rest of the teeth in your mouth from shifting to make up for the empty spaces due to the missing teeth. The bone in your jaw and your gum tissue with bond with the implant over time, creating a strong, permanent bond. After the right amount of healing time as passed, a crown is added on top of your implant– a crown that exactly resembles a natural tooth. At the end of the procedure, you are left with a beautiful, full smile you can be proud of.
Dental implants can be used to anchor a dental crown to completely recreate a tooth, or to hold a fixed bridge permanently in place. Both solutions create a natural-looking row of teeth that you are ready and willing to show off at any given moment! So if you are ready for a beautiful, full smile just in time for summer, make an appointment with Drs. Kearbey, and they will be more than happy to help!
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They are happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Calm Your Dental Fear with Sedation Dentistry
May 14, 2014
It is no secret that having a fear of the dentist is quite common. For some people, the fear is slight, only a feeling of discomfort. For others, however, the fear is severe, causing them to delay, or avoid altogether, getting the much needed dental work they need done. If you are someone who suffers from severe dental anxiety, you may feel as though there is no helping you. Fortunately, Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey are able to alleviate your fears with the use of sedation dentistry!
Sedation dentistry can be beneficial to many people, not just those who have a fear of the dentist. Those with TMJ, a sensitive gag reflex, or people who are embarrassed by the condition their smile is in can all reap the benefits of sedation dentistry.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a small pill one hour prior to your appointment. During the appointment, you will feel relaxed, and we will cover you with a warm blanket, making you feel as comfortable as possible. Be sure to have a friend bring you to your appointment and home, that way you will be able fully recover from your appointment. There is also nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, which is included in our sedation dentistry. With this, you are conscious the entire time during your dental work, but you feel absolutely no pain! Simple and convenient, nitrous oxide is ideal for adults and children alike!
IV sedation is where we administer an IV line in your arm, and deliver the sedative right into your bloodstream. This form of sedation is for those patients that experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. Dr. Simmons will be able to administer you the right about of sedation, offering you a customized dental experience. With both forms of sedation, you will be free of pain and be able to experience a wonderful, relaxing dental appointment.
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They are happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Oral Surgery for Hillsboro and Beyond
March 28, 2014
Have you been told that you need to have one or more teeth removed? We hope you’ll turn to Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey for help. Our team at The Dentists at Orenco Station offers comfortable oral surgery, made possible by combination of experience and sedation options like oral conscious sedation and IV sedation.
There are many reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted. They include:
- Decay
- Infection
- Gum disease
- Impaction
- Orthodontic preparations
Regardless of the reasons for your procedure, expect us to approach your case with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to detail. Once we’ve diagnosed your situation, we’ll be happy to explain exactly how your procedure will go. If you have questions about any aspect of your procedure, don’t hesitate to ask them.
To make your appointment more comfortable, we’ll recommend either IV sedation or oral conscious sedation. Both are effective for creating a comfortable, stress-free experience. In fact, many patients do not remember anything about their appointment afterwards.
Are you concerned that you might need to have a tooth removed with oral surgery? Our Hillsboro team can help. Call us today for a consultation appointment. We’re happy to serve patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, and Rock Creek.
The Connection between Oral Health and Heart Health
February 25, 2014
What if we told you there was a very important connection between oral and overall health? Most people would be surprised to hear that, but it’s true.
What’s the connection? According to recent data, it can be traced to gum disease, a very common oral health condition that affects a majority of U.S. adults.
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque around the gums. Over time, these irritants will cause tissue loss, culminating in the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets give the bacteria and plaque of gum disease an entryway into your bloodstream, and from there, to other parts of the body.
What kinds of health problems can be exacerbated by gum disease? Heart disease is one of the most common but it’s not the only one. Other health conditions that can be impacted by gum disease include:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Pneumonia
- Pre-term birth or low birth weight
You can protect your smile and your overall health by following a couple of easy but important steps.
First, make sure that you’re brushing and flossing every day. At The Dentists at Orenco Station, we recommend brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash. Following a routine like this will help you control the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
But a good homecare routine isn’t all it takes to enjoy good oral health. We also recommend seeing Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Why so often? Because some patients may be struggling with gum disease without even knowing it. During your appointment with us, we’ll look for signs of the condition and offer care if we find anything.
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next checkup with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They’re happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Improve Your Entire Family’s Smile In 2014 with Family Dental Care
January 29, 2014
A common question for any dentist is: How often should I come in for checkups and cleanings? The answer might surprise you. While you only need to see your primary care doctor once a year, it’s a good idea to see your dentist twice a year. Why so often? Because common oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease can develop quickly and easily. And it doesn’t matter how old the patient is—children are just as susceptible to these conditions as adults.
That’s why Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey are proud to put family dental care at the center of what they do. With a checkup and cleaning twice a year, our friendly, experienced Hillsboro team will help you and your little ones watch for signs of decay, gum disease, TMJ dysfunction, and even oral cancer. We can also remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar above and below the gum line with a professional cleaning.
What’s more, our helpful Hillsboro dental team can also talk to you about taking care of your smile at home. Regular brushing and flossing are important; they can do a lot to protect your teeth from gum disease and tooth decay in between visits, though even the best homecare routine isn’t a substitute for a professional cleaning.
And what if we find something during your visit with us? Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey are happy to put together a customized plan to help you. We offer a great range of today’s best general, cosmetic, and restorative services.
Do you need to schedule your first appointment for yourself or your child? Call The Dentists at Orenco Station today for an appointment. Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey serve families from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, and Rock Creek.