Hayward Cosmetic & General Dentistry Blog

TMJ is one of the most common causes of chronic headache pain. Sadly, it is also one of the most frequently overlooked. If you have struggled with head pain for quite some time and been unable to find an effective solution, call Hayward neuromuscular dentist Dr. Gary Fong at 510-582-8727 to learn how we can help.

How TMJ Causes Headaches

The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves and responsible for a majority of sensations throughout the face. When the jaw is misaligned due to TMJ, pressure is placed on this nerve. Pressure on the trigeminal nerve can send pain signals through all three of its branches:

• The ophthalmic nerve which carries sensation to the eyes, nasal cavity, and skin of the forehead, eyelids, eyebrows and nose
• The maxillary nerve which carries sensations to the teeth, palate, and sinuses
• The mandibular nerve which is responsible for the function of chewing

When pressure is put on any part of the trigeminal nerve, pain sensations can travel throughout. Unless this pressure is relieved, these signals will continue, resulting in chronic and debilitating headaches.

Treating TMJ headaches with over-the-counter or prescription medications is useless. These medications offer temporary relief, but cannot address the underlying problem. The most effective way to achieve lasting relief is through proper TMJ treatment. Dr. Fong offers a range of options for headache treatment and will work individually with you to determine which is best for your specific needs.

To schedule your TMJ treatment consultation at our Castro Valley office, please contact Gary G. Fong, DDS today.  

The process of making and placing dental crowns can be a lengthy one. Often when a crown is needed, multiple visits spanning several weeks are required – and the final visit may not actually be the final visit if the crown (manufactured off site) is not a perfect fit. This makes dental crowns inconvenient for both standard and emergency dental restorations.

CEREC dental crowns on the other hand are made and placed during a single office visit. With this revolutionary option, Hayward dentist Dr. Gary Fong can produce a strong and attractive smile in just over an hour. No waiting. No temporary restorations. No worries about ill-fitting results. If you are in need of a dental crown, Dr. Fong will happily discuss this option with you during your visit.

CEREC Technology

CEREC uses advanced computer technology to produce a precise impression of your smile. This same software then creates an ideally shaped and sized 3D model of the needed dental crown and sends that information to an in-office milling machine that creates your restoration out of high quality ceramics to ensure both optimal look and strength. After its creation, Dr. Fong will polish and glaze your dental crown before placement, allowing for a seamless fit into your smile. This process is completed over a single visit, saving you time, money, and frustration while providing you with the strong, attractive, and flawless smile you deserve.

To learn more about our CEREC technology, please contact Gary G. Fong, DDS today. We welcome patients from Hayward and all surrounding areas of California.

You should visit Hayward family dentist Dr. Gary Fong every six months for routine cleanings and examinations. Even children as young as two-years old should be brought to our family dentistry practice for these biannual visits to help ensure optimal oral health.

If you are overdue for a visit to the dentist, call Dr. Fong at 510-582-8727 and schedule one today.

Can You See Multiple Family Members at the Same Time?

For your convenience, our family dentist is able to accommodate multiple family members in a single appointment time. What’s more, we are able to work with the scheduling issues faced by many of today’s busy families to help ensure dental visits can easily be worked into your healthcare routine. If you are looking for a family dentist in the Hayward area of California, we encourage you to contact our office and schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Fong offers a full range of family dentistry services, giving him the ability to perfect and protect the smiles of every member of your household. We welcome families from the San Leonardo and Castro Valley areas at our conveniently located Hayward office, and look forward to learning how we can help you and your family reach all of your oral health and beauty goals.

Dental Erosion occurs when the outer enamel of the teeth begins to thin. This common problem can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a larger risk for cavities and tooth infection, and a general yellowing of the teeth. According to a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, an estimated 79% of adults have at least some level of dental erosion.

If you are experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, please call Hayward family dentist Dr. Gary Fong at 510-582-8727 to schedule a cleaning and examination.

Researchers for this latest study looked at the tooth enamel in 3,773 adults. While 79% of these subjects had some level of dental erosion, those who consumed fruit juice and soda on a daily basis had the most significant amount. This factor led researchers to conclude that soda and fruit juice consumption are the biggest culprits in dental erosion.

Saliva works to neutralize acidic foods and beverages, helping prevent dental erosion. However, when acidic beverages are consumed regularly, saliva never has a chance to restore pH to a healthy level. Not even daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help prevent the damage done by daily soda and fruit juice consumption, making moderation – no more than one or two drinks a week – your best defense.

If you have questions about dental health or are looking for a family dentist in the Hayward area of California, please contact Gary G. Fong, DDS to schedule an appointment today.