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Bruxism, a common dental condition in which patients clench or grind the teeth, can be caused by a wide range of factors. The most common trigger, stress, can be emotional or physical. For some patients, clenching and grinding can be the result of a nervous habit. The condition can also be observed when patients are deep in concentration, completely oblivious to the damage that may be occurring.

Although you may be unaware of the extent of your bruxism habit, discussing your symptoms with Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Old Westbury, can still be a major step toward the appropriate treatment. According to your specific signs and symptoms, Dr. Sousa may recommend a variety of treatment options, ranging from conservative to surgical. These treatments may be recommended to prevent clenching and grinding from occurring, or to correct any damage that may have occurred as a result of the habit.

For most patients, bruxism happens at night during sleeping hours. Though many patients are not aware that they are clenching or grinding the teeth, waking up with headaches, neck pain, or tenderness in the jaw joint can be a significant clue. Determining whether these symptoms occur every day or once a month can help to determine the treatment method.

A protective mouthguard , known as a biteguard or nightguard, is a common treatment for bruxism. The guard is custom-molded to the shape of the upper or lower teeth and serves multiple purposes. It provides a physically protective barrier that can prevent excessive wear or damage to the teeth. The guard can also be designed to properly position the jaw joint in order to reduce strain and joint damage.

For patients who clench or grind the teeth regularly, the mouthguard may be worn daily. For patients who only occasionally experience bruxism, the guard can be worn as needed. Your dentist may also recommend relaxation or meditation as a preventative measure against clenching and grinding.

Bruxism is a common dental condition that should not be ignored. If you believe that you may be clenching or grinding the teeth, call East Hills Dental Associates at 516-484-6600 and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms right away.

Choosing a dental restoration that can meet your particular needs can be challenging. Most likely, you desire an attractive, natural-looking restoration that is also strong and comfortable. When you are missing one or more teeth, these criteria become even more important. After all, the tooth replacement that you select will become a part of your daily life.

Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Brookville NY, is available to help you in selecting the most appropriate solution. In terms of replacing a missing tooth, the more stable, permanent option tends to be the most satisfying choice for most patients.

A fixed bridge is often the recommendation of choice by your dentist as a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. The fixed bridge is securely anchored to at least two natural teeth and does not have to be removed for eating, drinking, or routine care. The bridge is suspended slightly above the gumline, depending upon the adjacent teeth for support, rather than resting on the gum tissue.

In comparison to the fixed bridge, the removable bridge or partial must be removed after each meal for proper brushing and flossing. It is not advisable to sleep with the partial in place, and patients are encouraged to remove it each night during the sleeping hours. This recommendation poses a challenge for many patients who may feel self-conscious about being seen without their teeth, even by family members.

The fixed bridge is generally a more conservative tooth replacement solution since it involves only the teeth on either side of the missing teeth. The removable bridge is typically a larger, bulkier option, made of a metal or acrylic base which spans to width of the upper or lower jaw. The removable bridge is also designed to clip or clasp onto multiple teeth on the left and right sides of the mouth, even when used to replace only a single tooth.

Your dentist will be glad to review the risks and benefits of each option in order to provide you with the restoration that is best for your health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sousa today to find out which one is right for you.

Whether your beautiful smile is all-natural or you’ve invested in state of the art cosmetic dentistry, there’s a lot riding on your smile. Your confidence, your overall health, and even your finances are directly influenced by the status of your smile.

Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Manhasset, is dedicated to helping you protect your smile. With proper care and the appropriate use of preventative dentistry, you can expect to enjoy your smile for a lifetime. Gone are the days when adults could expect to lose their teeth to gum disease and cavities. Today, a dental philosophy centered on prevention can help to preserve your teeth for the entire duration of your life.

Essentially, preventative dentistry is the use of minimally invasive dental practices designed to prevent or reduce the risk of various dental diseases. Some of these measures can be implemented as early as the childhood years. The introduction of fluoride, both systemic and topical, can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay in children. Studies have shown that fluoride plays an important role in tooth development as well as remineralizing weakened enamel.

Sealants, a protective coating that seals the grooves and crevices on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, can prevent decay for both children and adults.

Routine dental visits and oral hygiene instructions are also critical components of preventive dentistry. Appropriate patient education, dental x-rays, and periodontal examinations can effectively identify and treat various dental conditions as soon as possible, preventing them from progressing to the point of damage or discomfort.

Mouthguards bite splints, and night guards are useful for protecting your teeth from excessive forces such as clenching or grinding, as well as damage from contact sports like football, basketball, or boxing. These appliances are highly effective for preventing chipped teeth, fractured restorations, and other trauma to the teeth. Reducing these unnecessary forces can also prevent bone loss and gum recession, two irreversible signs of gum disease.

Your dentist cares about your health and is committed to protecting your smile. By providing a variety of preventive procedures, your dentist is able to customize your preventive dental regimen to meet your individual needs.

To discuss the methods of prevention that are best for you, call the office of Dr. Sousa at 516-484-6600 and schedule your next exam.