Archive for August 30, 2011

Nightguards Help Prevent Teeth Grinding

Bruxer

Nightguards can help Teeth Grinding

Many Americans grind their teeth while they sleep but are unaware of the potential hazards of doing so.  In addition to being an annoyance to your sleeping companion grinding your teeth can have negative effects on your health.  For starters, most people who grind their teeth suffer from jaw pain when they wake up in the morning.  Chronic grinding can eventually lead to problems with the TMJ and can led to the next problem; headaches.

Chronic headaches have been correlated with people who grind their teeth. This is due in part to the force exerted by the facial muscles when the teeth grind during the night.  Severe cases of grinding can result in jaw pains and headaches that can occur during the day.  In addition to these two major issues, grinders may also experience gum recession, sleeping issues, and irritability in relationships with sleep companions.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

There are many signs of teeth grinding that are often caused by anxiousness or feelings of tenseness.  Teeth grinding, or bruxism as doctors call it occurs subconsciously during sleep or during the day.  The following are some of the signs that you may be a bruxer:

  • Your clenching wakes up your sleep partner
  • Your teeth are worn, flattened or chipped
  • Your enamel is worn down.  This can lead to discolored teeth and teeth that are susceptible to chipping or fracture.
  • Sensitive teeth are a symptom of bruxing. These people feel extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drink.
  • Earaches, headaches and facial pain

Teeth Grinding Treatment

At Suisun City Dental we recommend nightguards for our patients who experience teeth grinding.  These devices help protect the surface of your teeth and prevent the onset of headaches and jaw pains.  Our nightguards are custom-made for the most comfortable and snug fit possible.  They are also extremely durable and can withstand the forces of your jaw and teeth.

If you are concerned about the overall well-being of your dental health and you think you may suffer from teeth grinding contact our office today to schedule a consultation to see if you can benefit from a custom made nightguard.

 

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings and Check-Ups

Dental checkup

Dental Cleaning

The dental cleaning is an important aspect in a good oral health foundation and mainly serves as a preventive measure to avoid disease or other dental problems. The American Dental Association and most dentists agree that visiting your dentist at least twice a year is good practice to maintain your dental health for your lifetime. Some people may need to visit their dentist more frequently if they have issues with excessive tartar build-up or have a history of gum disease. It is important to remember that good at-home dental care alone will not offset the effects of the buildup of plaque and tartar in your mouth. These harmful films must be professionally removed as they can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other harmful health issues.
Most dental visits will consist of hand scaling by a dental hygienist or a dentist to remove plaque buildup. Plaque is the culmination of natural oral bacteria on food debris that remains on your teeth and gums and cannot be removed from brushing or flossing alone. Light or moderate plaque buildup can be removed with manual scaling tools of various shapes and sizes. After your cleaning your teeth will feel smooth and the sticky residue that inevitably forms over time will be eliminated. In addition to scaling your teeth will also be polished to remove the stains and give you a refreshed mouth and a brighter smile.
Besides the preventative measures described above to rid plaque on your teeth your dental visit will also help reveal any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available. In this sense preventative dentistry is cheaper than proactive dentistry or restorative dentistry in that oral health problems are detected early and can be taken care of easily.
If you have not visited your dentist recently consider getting scheduling an appointment with our office. Anxious patients will be glad to know that we offer sedation dentistry to help them get through the fears of their visit. Contact us today for more information. 1-800-507-6413.

Dental Veneers Create Beautiful Smiles

If you have ever wondered how so many celebrities or beauty queens have such perfect, bright teeth chances are they have dental veneers.  Veneers are thin shells of porcelain tooth-like material that are adhesively bonded to the tooth and are used to repair damaged teeth or simply beautify one’s smile.  The process of manufacturing veneers is fairly tedious but the results can be amazing.  Because all veneers are custom made for each tooth that they replace, your cosmetic dentist must be skilled in the art of fabricating them so that they look and feel natural in a patient’s mouth.  This is why it is so important to choose a qualified cosmetic dentist who is experienced in blending art and science for the ultimate in looks and functionality. » Read more..

Dental Implants: Who are the candidates?

You have probably heard about dental implants or know someone who has them.  In fact, dental implants are becoming the norm as they are highly successful procedures and because of the natural look and feel they bring to one’s mouth.  In addition to that they are permanent and don’t have the same nuances as dentures.  So who can get dental implants and what are the criteria?

Interestingly enough, most adults are eligible for dental implants provided they meet certain health criteria. » Read more..

CT Digital Scanning for Face and Jaw

Advances in technology mean that doctors have better resources to help prevent issues before they become problematic or better treat problems that are preexisting.  Rohnert Park Digital Imaging employs the use of a highly advanced digital x-ray scanner that is specially designed for scanning the face and jaw areas.  The machine combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues in this region.  This offers the doctor a detailed visualization of the entire facial region as it provides detailed views of a patient’s face from many different angles.  Additionally the machine minimizes exposure to radiation as it does not require multiple exposures to catch the multitude of angles it provides. » Read more..