TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder is a condition describing the pain experienced in the jaw, or in the form of headaches, caused by improper alignment between the jaw, connecting muscles, and skull. Pain and swelling in the jaw joint is the most common symptom, but sometimes the muscles’ uneven pull on the skull results in headaches.
In San Francisco, CA, this painful condition can be treated by Dr. Mao, who has undergone special training for TMJ pain. At Union Square SF Dentist, we offer a variety of therapies to correct alignment problems. These include either a special mouthpiece or retainer that gradually corrects the way the jaw aligns, or in more extreme cases, a special orthodontic headgear can be used to achieve results.
Dr. Mao is one of only a few dentists who are equipped to properly treat TMJ in San Francisco, Union Square, or Financial District, so contact our office if you are experiencing swelling of the jaw and/or persistent headaches.
Nutritional Dentistry
At Chhy Mao, DMD one of the most distinguishing features we practice and promote is whole body health. Natural, whole body dentistry (also sometimes referred to as nutritional or holistic) has developed from the understanding that the health of the human body as a whole is directly related to the health of the mouth. When patients receive conventional dental care the dentist merely treats the affected area, whether that entails a cleaning to remove plaque or a restorative procedure to fix damaged teeth. At our San Francisco, CA office, we understands that the human body is made up of interrelated systems. Your overall health can affect your oral health and vice versa. There is a strong relationship between gum disease and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and research continues to reveal more and more connections. At Union Square SF Dentist we use special kits to test patients for sensitivity to dental materials. Possible negative reactions can be determined by drawing blood and sending it for Material Reactivity Testing by highly qualified technicians.
Natural, whole health, holistic dentistry also emphasizes the role that patients can play in their own oral health. In this aspect, we have long been counseling his patients about the effects that certain types of food can have on both plaque production and oral hygiene in general. Plaque causing bacteria mainly feeds on sugars, meaning that sweet foods like candy and desserts should be consumed in moderation. As well as sugars, foods rich in carbohydrates are also bad for teeth because they are made of sugars that will feed bacteria after broken down by saliva. Foods like crackers, bread, and cereal can be very nutritious, but brushing should always be done after these meals. If at your appointment you appear to have excessive plaque, Union Square SF Dentist may suggest specific changes in your diet and oral hygiene. Such dietary counseling is rare to find among dentists, so contact Union Square SF Dentist for the premier natural dentist in San Francisco, Union Square, and Financial District.
Emergency Dentistry
Union Square SF Dentist is truly one of those dentists who you love to have because his actions time and again prove his level of commitment to patient care, and this is especially true during dental emergencies. We understand that these can be extremely stressful, so if you are experiencing a dental emergency in San Francisco, CA, or the surrounding areas of Union Square and Financial District, please stay calm and know that we are here to help you. Do not hesitate to call our number; if it is after normal business hours he will immediately be on his way to meet you at the office for the procedure. This includes holidays and weekends so please, call our regular number for information on how Union Square SF Dentist can be reached during dental emergencies.
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
At Union Square SF Dentist we use minimally invasive dentistry whenever possible. Minimally invasive dentistry is the practice of providing treatment that maintains and improves the oral health of a patient while avoiding unnecessary or complicated procedures. This is important because although many dentists have the best intentions, they can forget about the most important thing—the goals and needs of the patient.
Most patients correctly feel that the best solution is often the simplest, and Dr. Mao agrees. For example, if you are experiencing tooth decay he will remove the damaged material and work to save the natural tooth instead of extracting and replacing. Or, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, he can place and color just a single or very few veneers to blend naturally, avoiding a complete makeover.
When receiving dental treatment from Union Square SF Dentist you can be assured that he will always keep the procedures as simple and minimally invasive as possible, because he knows that this is best for you. Being a strong proponent for this philosophy of dentistry is just one of the reasons why Dr. Mao is an excellent choice to provide all your dental needs in San Francisco, Union Square, and Financial District.