I have an impacted wisdom tooth and it hurts a lot, but it also hurts in my jaw and cheek. Why is this?

Pain from an impacted wisdom tooth can certainly radiate to other teeth and to nearby areas such as the cheek. It can even cause some swelling. You should see your dentist immediately.

I am thinking of being sedated for my procedure. Is nitrous oxide safe?

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, has long been used to sedate dental patients. It is mild and non-addictive, and you remain conscious for the entire time you are inhaling it. If you have respiratory problems, such as asthma, you should inform our San Jose dentist of this first.

Sometimes my jaw clicks when I am eating and I feel pain. Do I have TMJ?

Disorders of the TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, can cause the symptoms you describe. Diagnosis is made by a process of elimination, so the dentist has to disqualify other possible causes for your pain before she can diagnose TMJ dysfunction. If you do have it, she will recommend the treatment that she feels will be best for you.

I tend to grind my teeth at night. The dentist says it’s eroding my teeth. What should I do?

Bruxism, or tooth grinding or clenching, can damage your teeth, gum tissue and joints. The person who suffers from this usually isn’t even aware that he is doing it (it often occurs when the sufferer is asleep), and it takes either a loved one or a dentist to inform him that he grinds his teeth. One way to prevent further damage by the habit is wearing a night guard, which the dentist can make for you and which alleviates the effects of grinding.

My gums are sore and tend to bleed a lot. Do I have gum disease?

It sounds like you do, but self-diagnosis won’t help you. It is best for you to consult your dentist, as periodontal disease, when left unchecked, can worsen and lead to bone and tooth loss.