General Dentistry

Treat Common Dental Issues

General Dentistry in Sunbury

From fillings and routine cleanings to more complex treatments for issues like TMJ and sleep apnea, Dr. Miller has years of experience helping patients put their best smiles forward.  We offer comprehensive services to help you achieve and maintain optimal dental health, and we would feel honored to be a part of your journey. Call us today to schedule an appointment with your Sunbury dentist, no matter what your dental needs may be!

Dr. Miller talking to patient in dental chair

What Is General Dentistry?

Preventive and Restorative Treatments

General dentistry encompasses all of the basic treatments that you may need when you come to the dentist. From six-month cleanings to fillings, crowns, dentures, and even cosmetic dentistry!

Essentially, a general dentist is like a Primary Care Provider for your mouth. General dentists like Dr. Miller can provide you with all of the preventive, restorative and cosmetic services you need, under one roof! With our general services, Shine Dental is making it convenient and easy to take care of your teeth and gums.

Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) is a dysfunction with the temporomandibular joint. This small, delicate joint connects your jaw to the base of your skull, and it is located right below both of your ears. When this joint becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause serious and uncomfortable symptoms including locking of the jaw, difficulty opening your mouth all the way, “popping” or “clicking” sounds, and serious pain and discomfort.

If you have any of these symptoms, call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller. We can give you a diagnosis and treat your condition to get you back to your daily life without any pain or uncomfortable symptoms.

woman holding her jaw in pain

Your Options

Treatment for TMJ/TMD

During your consultation, Dr. Miller will discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw to determine which treatment may be best for you:

  • TMJ/TMD can sometimes simply be resolved with lifestyle changes like minimizing stress and avoiding the overuse of the jaw. 
  • Muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed if lifestyle changes are not enough to address your condition. 
  • Dr. Miller may also prescribe an “oral appliance” to keep your jaw in a healthier position while you sleep and encourage healing. 
  • In rare cases, surgery may be required to treat the most serious cases of TMJ/TMD.

Treatment Options

Sleep Apnea Treatments

For some cases of sleep apnea, treatment may involve lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding the use of sleeping pills, and reducing alcohol consumption. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine may be recommended for patients with severe apnea. For more mild cases of sleep apnea, Dr. Miller will build a special oral appliance to shift the position of your jaw during sleep and prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.

Positive Health Starts with a Smile