4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures After Teeth Grinding

Unlike general dentistry, which focuses on routine examinations and treatment, restorative dentistry is a specialization focusing on the repair or replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Bruxism is a fairly common condition that causes the clenching and grinding of teeth. While no single cause exists for bruxism, the results of teeth grinding are well documented. Teeth are worn down and damaged from continuous wear, and many patients require restorative treatments to correct bite deficiencies.

4 procedures to treat bruxism effects

While restorative dentistry can remedy many effects of bruxism, rushing into treatment may be a mistake. Without understanding the condition or curbing the habitual behavior, a patient may damage any corrective work. If restorations are undertaken but the patient continues to grind excessively, it may require further remedial dental treatments, causing further stress. However, that does not mean patients must simply endure their smile being worn down. There are four procedures to deal with bruxism damage, including handling the behavior itself.

1. Mouthguards

Before seeking any surgical treatment, a patient should mitigate further tooth loss and prevent damage to any repairs made. Mouthguards or mouth splints are the two methods most often used to curb the grinding of teeth. Primarily used for patients with sleep bruxism, the device is a plastic sheath that creates a protective barrier over the teeth, eliminating direct tooth-on-tooth grinding. Mouth splints are smaller than mouthguards and thicker, increasing the longevity of the product and its usefulness.

2. Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that cover a damaged tooth to protect it against further wear. Bruxism patients often wear down the enamel (the hard outer layer of a tooth) causing cracks or breaks in the surface. A crown keeps the remaining enamel from wearing away, reducing the risk of further tooth decay or the potential loss or removal of the damaged tooth or teeth.

3. Veneers

Unlike crowns, which fit over the teeth, veneers only attach to the front of the teeth. However, these thin porcelain sheets still restore and protect the integrity of a damaged smile. Veneers can be a less invasive procedure than crowns, but patients should consider the durability of the application. Veneers chip and wear out more quickly than a crown, and for bruxism patients, that is a significant concern.

4. Bonding

Many patients who suffer from teeth grinding may prefer dental bonding because it is a cost-effective and straightforward procedure. Dentists use an inexpensive composite resin adhered to the damaged teeth. The resin is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, allowing patients to have the appearance of a natural smile.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in Fort Worth, TX.

Conclusion

For bruxism patients, restorative dentistry can restore sheen and brilliance to a damaged smile. However, it is crucial to curb the habitual behavior of teeth grinding before investing in dental restoration. Failure to first control the behavior can lead to repetitive and costly repairs. A dentist can help create a treatment plan to remedy teeth grinding and the resulting damage.

Request an appointment or call Riverside Dental at 817-210-4082 for an appointment in our Fort Worth office.

Recent Posts

How A Family Dentist Treats An Abscessed Tooth

A family dentist is a professional who offers various general dentistry procedures to patients of all ages. Those who practice family dentistry can treat many serious dental concerns, including an abscessed tooth. In addition to being painful, an abscess can lead to further health concerns. Patients experiencing this issue should seek treatment right away.An abscess…

The Most Common Types Of Gum Disease

If you notice that your gums are bright red, swollen-looking, or bleed when you brush or floss, then you may have gum disease. This disease, also known as periodontal disease, is unfortunately quite common though, so you are not alone. It happens most often due to a build-up of bacteria on and around teeth thanks…

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…

Riverside Dental

Share
Published by
Riverside Dental

Recent Posts

How a Family Dentist Treats an Abscessed Tooth

Many patients also take antibiotics to treat the infection, especially if it has spread to…

3 weeks ago

The Most Common Types of Gum Disease

Gum disease is not something to mess around with. It not only harms your mouth,…

2 months ago

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Although Invisalign® clear aligners are different from braces, they offer the same basic outcome of…

3 months ago

Recovering from Getting Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options…

4 months ago

Emergency Room or Emergency Dentist for a Dental Injury

The ideal place to go for treatment when you have a dental emergency should be…

5 months ago

When to Take Your Child to a Family Dentist

When it comes to the dental care of your child, the right time for your…

6 months ago