Bruxism is a condition characterized by teeth clenching and grinding. The most common causes of bruxism are TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorders. These disorders increase pressure in the facial muscles and jaw joint. They may also lead to painful symptoms and dental damage. Dr. Shruti Chahal treats bruxism in her Calgary, AB dental office. At Foothills Dentistry, Dr. Shruti Chahal thoroughly examines the TMJ joint, jaw, and fit of the bite in order to determine the best course of treatment for her patients.
In order to help diagnose TMJ, Dr. Shruti Chahal uses a Tekscan®, a handheld device used to measure the biting forces in your mouth. Using this diagnostic tool, Dr. Chahal is able to determine where the bite imbalance is in the mouth and treat symptoms like muscle pain and headaches. She can design treatment based on her findings to restore a healthy and comfortable bite.
Dr. Shruti Chahal can create custom nightguards for patients with bruxism to wear while they sleep. Many patients who have bruxism clench and grind their teeth unconsciously while they are asleep. This can lead to morning headaches, jaw pain, and even tooth damage. Nightguards are similar to mouthguards in that they prevent damage to your teeth. They keep the teeth from grinding together and also alleviate pain in the temporomandibular joint. Dr. Shruti Chahal takes dental impressions of the teeth which are sent to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication. Custom mouthguards worn to treat bruxism are simpler to use and more comfortable for patients.
Patients can break the habit of grinding their teeth but may still have damaged or injured teeth. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and tooth crowns may be used to address enamel damage. Tooth bonding uses a biocompatible resin that is sculpted and molded onto chipped or cracked teeth. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic that are bonded to the front of injured teeth. For patients with extensive areas of damage, we recommend dental crowns. Tooth crowns cover entire teeth like caps and provide strength and durability to weakened or worn teeth.
Do you wake up with jaw or tooth pain? You may clench and grind your teeth at night. Contact Dr. Shruti Chahal for comprehensive dental treatment in her Calgary, Alberta dental office today. If you are a new patient, call Foothills Dentistry at (587) 410-0821. Current patients may call her office at (403) 203-0367. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Shruti Chahal on her website.
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