Our team consists of dedicated individuals who are kind, friendly, and caring. Our staff is here to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit to our office.

Our team includes experienced and energetic people whose goal is to communicate well with our patients and provide the best care possible.

TMJ Treatment in Las Cruces, NM

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking in the joint when speaking or chewing.

There are many ways of treating TMJ disorders, ranging from non-invasive therapy and bite splints to injections or surgery. Left untreated, however, TMJ disorders can lead to headaches, muscle pain, malocclusion and tooth damage from grinding or clenching.

Did you know…
that TMD alone is not a disorder, but instead a collection of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint? It is the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal condition in the U.S. according to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 12 percent of Americans may suffer from some type of TMD, with women twice as likely to be affected than men. But despite the prevalence and wide availability of treatment, only one out every three people with TMD fails to seek treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect if I undergo treatment for TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder treatment varies from patient to patient, so it’s likely your experience may be different when compared to someone else’s. Dr. Borham may require you to adopt certain lifestyle changes to help facilitate rehabilitation in your jaw. 

In some cases, you may be asked to avoid sudden jaw movements, such as yelling or yawning. Positional therapy, or sleeping on your back, can also be a preventive step to help reduce stress levels. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to TMJ disorder, schedule a consultation with Dr. Borham by calling (575) 523-5589.  During the consultation, he’ll evaluate your symptoms and provide you with a customized treatment plan. 

How do I know if TMD treatment is right for me?

If you’re experiencing pain associated with TMJ disorder, Dr. Borham will evaluate the extent of the condition and determine what course of treatment is best for you. Typically, the initial treatment for TMD involves conservative treatments, or a non-surgical procedure, and bite guards. 

Medications may also be used to relax the jaw or relieve pain. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatments may be considered for surgery or joint injections.

Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?

Certain lifestyle changes may decrease the effects of TMJ, however, for long-lasting results, it’s best coupled with other interventions such as a bite guard or physical therapy. During your initial consultation, Dr. Borham will examine your oral health and determine the best course of action based on your needs. 

What causes TMJ disorder?

There are many known causes of TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD. Some of the possible causes include physical injury, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, stress, arthritis, clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep, dental surgeries, poor posture, and infections. 

What if I don’t seek treatment for TMD?

If left untreated, TMJ can have serious consequences that may have otherwise been avoided. You may experience joint damage and inflammation, wearing down your teeth, ear ringing, and hearing damage or loss. If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder, it’s best to put the painful symptoms to rest before they have lasting effects. 

Contact our Las Cruces location by calling (575) 523-5589. One of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Dental Restorations: Inlays & Onlays in Las Cruces, NM

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are more extensive than dental fillings but less so than caps and crowns. They are typically formed in a dental lab and are made of gold, porcelain or resin depending on the patient’s needs and aesthetic goals. An inlay refers to a restoration that is formed to fit the center of a tooth, whereas an onlay refers to a restoration that encompasses at least, one cusp of the tooth. Both inlays and onlays are bonded to the surface of damaged teeth and matched to the color of the surrounding teeth.

Did you know…
that inlays and onlays can serve as alternative treatments to dental crowns when you have a broken or damaged tooth? When fillings are not enough to adequately repair a tooth, an inlay or onlay can be custom-created to fit securely onto the tooth’s surface. Depending on the materials used, the restoration can be created to appear natural and will have the same function of an organic tooth. Inlays and onlays have extremely high success rates and because they are custom made for each patient, most last longer than traditional fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for an inlay or onlay?

You could be a candidate for an inlay or onlay in if you have moderate tooth damage or decay and are in search of an alternative restoration option to a crown or cap. Inlays and onlays are meant to look like part of your natural tooth, so they’re less noticeable than amalgam fillings.

If you’re a candidate for a dental filling, you’re likely also a candidate for an inlay or onlay. They’re not suitable for every type of tooth damage, such as cases where most of your natural tooth is missing, so your dentist will perform an examination to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best solution for you.

What should I expect when I get my inlay or onlay restoration?

Your inlay or onlay restoration will be completed over two dental appointments. First, your tooth will be prepared for treatment, and an impression will be taken to serve as a mold for your new restoration. 

You may receive a temporary restoration to keep your tooth safe while your permanent restoration is created.

Once completed, you’ll return to have the temporary restoration removed and the permanent one bonded to the surface of the teeth. This doesn’t take long and you’ll soon be able to smile knowing your restoration looks completely natural.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Special care needs to be given to your teeth while temporary restorations are in place. It’s important to avoid sticky or hard foods that could cause significant damage to temporaries. Your dentist will give you detailed care instructions to follow.

Once you receive your permanent inlay or onlay, you can resume normal eating, brushing and flossing habits. It’s important to keep up with regular oral hygiene practices to keep your teeth safe and help your restoration to last as long as possible. Regular dental visits also ensure your restoration remains clean and healthy along with the rest of your smile.

Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings in Las Cruces, NM

Composite fillings – also known as tooth-colored fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people.

Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth.

Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile.

However, advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for Auburn dentists to also use tooth-colored fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth.

Did you know…
that composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure? This is because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth like an adhesive. The process takes slightly longer to complete than traditional amalgam fillings, but patients can preserve more of the natural portion of the teeth while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for tooth-colored fillings?

If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. A filling is used to restore and protect a tooth from decay, cracks, or fractures.

Dr. Borham can examine your tooth to ensure you receive proper treatment. If you’d like to schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you, give us a call today (575) 523-5589.

What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?

During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling.

Then, resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

How long do composite fillings last?

Composite fillings are designed to last up to five years or more with good oral care. With a proper dental hygiene routine, your teeth will remain healthy and eliminate the risk of another decayed tooth.

When a composite filling needs to be replaced, it can be easily be done here at our Las Cruces dental office.

 What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?

Composite fillings are preserved with light at our dental office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit.

It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.