Untreated Bruxism May Lead To An Emergency

Do you frequently wake up with headaches, or have sensitive teeth? You may not be aware of it, but you could be grinding your teeth in your sleep. If you do this chronically, it could lead to wearing down your pearly whites and may result in higher susceptibility to breaking your teeth. Bruxism, a very common condition, may lead to dental emergencies if left untreated. Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, can help treat this condition and repair your tooth after bruxism-related injuries.

Causes Of Bruxism

There is more than one factor that can lead to the constant grinding of your teeth. Your age, genetics, alignment problems, and even medications may cause you to do this. Unfortunately, this habit usually occurs while you are asleep, so you may be unaware until symptoms begin to appear. Along with frequent headaches and sensitivity, you may also experience tight jaw muscles, poor sleep, and worn enamel.

Damage To Your Teeth

A primary problem with this condition is that it can wear down your enamel over time. To prevent this, you can speak with a dentist about receiving a nightguard to protect your smile from bruxism. If you have worn enamel, you may be more susceptible to chipping or breaking a tooth. In addition to this, your gumline may also begin to recede, which may cause tooth loss in severe cases. When you crack one of your pearly whites, it can cause extreme discomfort. It is important to have this looked at as soon as possible. If this happens to you, do not wait until your next checkup to have this examined. A broken tooth is considered a dental emergency and should be treated promptly.

Ignoring Chipped Teeth

At your emergency visit, the dentist will examine your oral cavity and the area of the injury closely. After evaluating the severity of the problem, they can develop the best treatment plan for your needs. In many cases, a dental crown can be placed on top of the tooth to protect the damage from worsening, preventing infection, and restrengthening the area. However, if the injury is severe, extraction may be a better alternative. After you have healed from the removal, prosthetics such as a bridge or implant can be discussed.

As mentioned above, it’s important to have this looked at urgently. Ignoring an injured tooth will only allow for the damage to worsen. In some cases, more of it could break off, or an infection could occur.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you have suffered harm to your tooth due to bruxism or other conditions, schedule an appointment today. Call Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, today at (913) 901-8585