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Occlusal guards can relieve muscle tension and alleviate painful joints.
Your dentist in Allen will perform an oral exam to check the condition of your teeth and ensure you don’t need any decay or gum disease treated first.
Impressions of your teeth will be taken via a physical mold or digital scanner and sent to a dental lab that will create your custom-fit night guard.
Your teeth impressions serve as a mold for the fabrication of your acrylic night guard. It will fit snugly against your teeth and conform to your natural bite without being uncomfortable.
You will pick up your custom-made nightguard for the office and check that it fits properly. Adjustments can be made if necessary. It is then important that you comply with treatment by remembering to wear your night guard each night and replacing it when necessary.
Temporomandibular joint disorder also known as TMJ has no known cause. However, dental trauma, arthritis, and bruxism seem to play a role in the dysfunction of the jaw’s joints, muscles, or the jaw itself.
TMJ is a painful condition that results in lockjaw, clicking sounds when you open your mouth, headaches, ear pain, a stiff and tender jaw, and difficulty opening the mouth wide. Wearing a nightguard eases tension in the jaw’s muscles which can prevent and reduce symptoms of TMJ including pain in the jaw and head as well as relieving lockjaw.
As long as your sleep apnea is not severe, an occlusal guard can help keep your airway open and prevent pauses in your breathing throughout the night. This is because the mouth guard holds the lower jaw forward. If your tongue blocks your airway, a tongue retaining device can be used to hold the tongue in place.
Contact sports and bruxism can both cause serious damage to the teeth, such as:
Wearing an occlusal guard or night guard protects the teeth from damage during contact sports or from grinding your teeth at night because it acts as a barrier that cushions the teeth. The excess force applied to the teeth from injury or grinding is absorbed by the guard. These guards also have the effect of reducing tension in the jaw which makes you less likely to clench in the first place.
There is no specific known cause of TMJ, though injury and bruxism seem to increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
If you have a tooth that is severely decayed beyond what a root canal can fix, it may need to be extracted. This is especially true if the tooth is infected. Additional reasons why a tooth may need to be removed include crowding, impaction, and in some cases, for orthodontics to be successful.
It should only take a few days to recover from a tooth extraction if you follow Dr. Natchi’s aftercare instructions. If you’re still feeling pain after several days of recovery, it may be a sign of infection, or dry-socket. In this case, call us at (469) 242-9500 so we can see you as soon as possible to alleviate your pain and minimize the effects of infection.
Dental night guards, also known as occlusal splints, are a popular solution for individuals who suffer from bruxism – the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, especially during sleep. There are three primary types of night guards available in the market: over-the-counter night guards, boil and bite night guards, and custom-fitted night guards.
Over-the-counter night guards are the most affordable option and can be purchased at most pharmacies. They come in a standard size and are made from a soft plastic material. However, they might not fit perfectly and could be uncomfortable or ineffective for some people.
Boil and bite night guards offer a more customized fit. You soften them in boiling water and then bite into the guard to create an impression of your teeth. While these guards provide a better fit than over-the-counter options, they may still not be as comfortable or effective as custom-fitted guards.
Custom-fitted night guards are made by your dentist or a dental lab based on impressions of your teeth. These guards offer the best fit and comfort, effectively protecting your teeth from grinding or clenching. While they are more expensive than the other options, they are more durable and effective in the long run.
Night guards are designed to withstand the pressure of nightly grinding and clenching, but they don't last forever. There are several signs that your night guard may need to be replaced.
First, if your night guard is visibly worn or has holes in it, it's time for a replacement. These signs of wear and tear mean that the guard is no longer providing the protection your teeth need.
Second, if your night guard no longer fits properly, it may need to be replaced. This could be due to changes in your teeth or jaw alignment, or the guard itself may have become warped or misshapen over time.
Finally, if you're experiencing discomfort or pain when wearing your night guard, or if you notice new or worsening symptoms of bruxism, it's a good idea to consult your dentist. They can determine whether your night guard needs to be replaced or if a different type of treatment might be more effective.
Proper care and cleaning of your night guard can extend its lifespan and ensure it remains effective. Here are some tips for maintaining your night guard.
Clean your night guard after each use. Rinse it under cold or lukewarm water (never hot) to remove any debris. You can also use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently scrub the guard.
Avoid using harsh cleaners or alcohol-based products, as these can damage the material of the guard. Instead, use a mild soap or a product specifically designed for cleaning dental appliances.
Dry your night guard thoroughly before storing it. Leaving it damp can promote the growth of bacteria. Store your night guard in a clean, dry case when not in use.
Finally, bring your night guard to your dental check-ups. Your Allen, TX dentist can inspect it for signs of wear and tear and ensure it's still fitting properly.
Removing an infected tooth can save the rest of your smile.
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