Teeth grinding and clenching, commonly called bruxism, is a serious issue because it causes extreme wear and tear on teeth. In addition, it typically occurs during sleep, leaving the sufferer in a dilemma. In other words, you can’t stop doing it if you aren’t aware.
Fortunately, your dentist in Evansville, IN, recognizes the symptoms of bruxism and can provide an evaluation and treatment.
Bruxism Diagnosis at Our Dental Office in Evansville
If you have bruxism, you may notice the signs:
- Worn or short teeth
- Tooth pain and fractures
- Increased cavities
- Head, neck, and shoulder pain
- Bulky appearance in front of the ears
In severe cases, untreated bruxism can damage your TMJs (temporomandibular joints), making chewing and yawning difficult. TMJ can also cause pain in the jaw joints.
If you have any of these symptoms—you don’t need to have them all—it’s crucial to arrange a consultation with your dentist in 47715.
Treating Bruxism in Evansville, IN
Your dentist will talk to you about potential treatments after evaluating your case. Some possible interventions include occlusal splint therapy (mouthguard), occlusal equilibration, and orthodontics.
The approach to treatment depends on the cause of your bruxism/TMJ or symptoms.
In many cases, a mouthguard is the right option. This custom oral appliance is worn over the teeth at night to prevent grinding. Occlusal equilibration is about removing a bit of tooth enamel to control how teeth come together—a leveling of the biting surface. Orthodontics is ideal if your bruxism or TMJ results from a misaligned bite.
Contact Your Dentist Near Me to Get Started
If you're experiencing pain in your jaw joints or other symptoms of bruxism and TMJ, we urge you to contact our dental office today to schedule an evaluation with the best dentist in Evansville. We offer comprehensive care tailored to your needs, including treatments for TMJ and bruxism.
We also encourage you to ask about our exclusive Quality Dental Plan, which provides additional benefits to support your dental health.