When the TMJ and related muscles are injured, they need time to heal. Self-care is very important. You can take steps to reduce pressure on the TMJ and speed healing.

You have been diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This term describes a group of problems linked to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and nearby muscles.

Root canal therapy is a way of removing dead or dying tissue from inside a tooth. This stops infection and prevents it from spreading.

When problems develop inside a tooth, root canal therapy may be the only way to save it.

A graft helps your body replace lost bone. Learn how a bone replacement graft works.

Periodontal disease can cause pockets to form between the tooth and gum. These pockets can gather plaque and need treatment. If nonsurgical treatments can't reduce pocket depth, surgery may be needed. Surgery on gum and bone can reduce pocket depth and save teeth. It allows the dentist to remove tartar deep below the gumline.

Some treatments for periodontal disease don't involve surgery. The goal of these treatments is to make conditions that allow tissues in the mouth to heal. This is done by reducing plaque, infection, and other causes of periodontal disease.

If you have periodontal disease, you may need surgery to save 1 or more teeth.

When you look in the mirror, does your gumline look uneven? Or do you see too little gum? These are common effects of periodontal disease. One type of gingival surgery is called a soft tissue graft.

If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend partial dentures. Read on to learn more about this treatment choice.