We know that bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, can cause painful symptoms, and eventually even damage the teeth to cause major complications. But we can help, we can do so without oral surgery or other invasive solutions! In today’s blog, your Rowlett, TX, dentist talks about help with a custom bruxism guard.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Bruxism
In childhood, teeth grinding can come and go, passing on its own. But in adulthood, chronic teeth grinding that occurs nightly, known as bruxism, could wear down and damage teeth. The disorder occurs when the bite is strained, which could be due to factors ranging from tooth loss and misalignment, or issues with the growth of the jaw or the arrival of your teeth. Wisdom tooth eruption could be a factor, as could untreated TMJ disorder or even high stress levels in your day-to-day life.
When you have pain in your face or jaw, headaches and migraines, or aches in your neck and shoulders on a regular basis, let us know. Likewise, persistent tooth sensitivity and toothaches could also indicate trouble.
Treatment with a Custom Guard
Our team will conduct a detailed diagnosis with digital imaging, looking at the surfaces of your teeth for tell-tale signs of wear and friction, and also looking interior of the teeth for signs of tooth decay and infection, which could occur when a tooth is damaged. If we find you have bruxism, then we will take images and impressions of your bite to design an oral appliance. The device will look quite like a mouthguard and is worn while you sleep. Once in place, this custom device will help shift your jaw to ease tension and help you avoid grinding episodes. The same appliance also acts like a soft barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage.
Repairing Your Teeth
What if bruxism has worn down a tooth or even cracked or chipped it? If this happens, we can repair the tooth to prevent further complications. With bonding, we can repair minor chips and lengthen teeth in only one sitting. If you have fractures or more severe injuries, we could cap the tooth with a custom crown, one that looks natural and provides a durable chewing surface.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat an issue like teeth grinding, or if you think you have chronic teeth grinding that needs attention, then contact our office today to learn more and start your treatment journey!
Schedule an Appointment With Rodem Tree Dental
You don’t have to live with the strain of chronic teeth grinding, we can offer relief and also restore any damage that has occurred due to your grinding and clenching episodes. To find out more about stopping teeth grinding, call Rodem Tree Dental in Rowlett, TX at 972-475-2321.
