If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you may spend your morning trying to recover from – or at least tune out – the pain in your face and jaw. If your experience with this issue, known as bruxism, has also led to TMJ dysfunction, you can experience pain throughout your day. What you should know is that bruxism does more than just make you uncomfortable. You can damage teeth to the point where your dentist has to intervene and provide restorative care. If you do nothing about your condition, it can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss! A special mouth guard your dentist provides can stop you from damaging your teeth while you sleep.
Bruxism Does More Than Just Make You Uncomfortable
The power your jaw can produce when you bite down is significant. As you grind your teeth through the night, you can actually damage your enamel. Some patients will come in needing a dental crown because bruxism has led to them cracking a tooth. In more severe cases, a person might lose teeth because of the damage done by clenching their jaw! In addition to dental damage, you can also develop alignment problems with your jaw, and suffer regular discomfort due to TMJ dysfunction.
How Your Dentist Can Correct Damages Caused By Bruxism
The significance of your dental damage can affect how you are treated. For minor chips and cracks, a dental bonding treatment can make your smile look healthy again. However, if you do a more significant amount of harm, you might require more involved restorative work. Zirconia and porcelain crowns allow you to protect teeth, while keeping your smile looking natural.
Seek Treatment For The Effects Of Teeth Grinding With Dr. Keller
Leaving teeth grinding unaddressed can lead to serious discomfort, and possibly serious dental damage. If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, reach out to Dr. Keller and Cedar West Family Dentistry for help. You can receive a special mouth guard that protects you from the effects of clenching your jaw. Dr. Keller can also review your teeth, and determine if you need any restorative work to address damage. To learn more about our practice, or to schedule an appointment, call our family dental office in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
