Ankeny, IA dentist offers treatment for bruxism

Seeking Care For Bruxism

Grinding your teeth constantly can be a frustrating problem that may happen when you are unaware. It can lead to headaches, and tooth sensitivity, and potentially harm your dental health. If you have bruxism, the team at Dental Impressions at Ankeny, IA, can help diagnose the problem and create a helpful treatment plan. Today, we are here to discuss how to repair your pearly whites after you have treated the disorder.

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Guard Against Bruxism

Before restoring any injuries that may have been caused by your grinding, it is important to treat the problem. If you have symptoms such as frequent headaches, earaches, discomfort when chewing, or frequent cavities, you may have bruxism. At your next checkup, your dentist may be able to see signs as well, such as worn-down enamel or chips on your teeth. They can use these indicators in combination with your other symptoms to create a diagnosis. It is also common to see patients with TMJ also have this condition, because the pressure from grinding can create tension on your jaw joints as well. Once the problem has been diagnosed, your dentist can help create a treatment plan. For many patients, an oral appliance can help protect their teeth and alleviate symptoms.

A Crown Can Repair Damage Caused By Bruxism

A major problem that can occur when you chronically grind your teeth is the enamel being worn away and becoming more susceptible to breakage. If you have chipped or broken a tooth, it is important to have this examined and cared for as soon as possible to prevent further problems. A dental crown may be used for this reason. This is a tooth-shaped cap that can help decrease the chances of infection or further injury. Using impressions of your smile, a lab can create this restorative piece out of materials such as porcelain or zirconia. Without a crown, it may become difficult to chew food properly, and the crack can continue to spread. As a result, the tooth may fall out or an extraction may be required.

Bruxism May Lead To Increased Cavities

Dental decay can happen to anyone. However, the constant clenching of your teeth together may lead to the deterioration of your enamel, and result in a higher chance of cavities. To protect your pearly whites against severe decay, fillings can be used. During this treatment, the damaged part of the tooth will be removed, filled with composite resin, and sealed. This will prevent the cavity from progressing further into the tooth’s structure, which can cause discomfort, swelling, and infection.

Schedule A Restoration Today

If you have harmed your pearly whites due to bruxism, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at 515.965.0230.