Understanding Bruxism: Nighttime Teeth Grinding Treatment in Fort Smith, AR

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects millions of men and women in America, but many of these individuals are unaware of their behavior because it frequently occurs while they’re sleeping. While it may not initially cause much discomfort, bruxism can lead to serious oral health consequences if not treated promptly and properly. At New Smile Dental, our team can help you find relief from the symptoms and complications associated with bruxism.

The Importance of Preventing Bruxism

Your jaws are capable of exerting an immense amount of pressure and force, even when you are fast asleep. This unconscious clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth can lead to a variety of problems, including:

·         Damage to existing dental work

·         Teeth that become worn down and shorter

·         Jaw tension and pain

·         TMJ disorder

·         Facial tenderness

Fortunately, treatment for bruxism is most often not invasive or expensive. A custom oral appliance, often referred to as a nightguard, can be worn while you sleep to protect the surfaces of your teeth from excessive grinding. This nightguard is customized to fit your unique dentition, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that it will fit comfortably in your mouth without obstructing your breathing.

Schedule Your Next Visit

If you or someone in your family is suffering from the symptoms of bruxism or TMJ disorder, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation with our team. We genuinely look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile that is free of worn down teeth or aching jaw joints. Our Fort Smith, AR dental practice warmly welcomes patients from nearby communities in Sallisaw, Pocola, Alma, Greenwood, Van Buren, Poteau, Heavener, and beyond.

Enjoy Your Favorite Foods with Implant-Retained Dentures in Fort Smith, AR

For millions of Americans missing their teeth, traditional dentures are a perfectly reasonable solution that allows them to eat and speak with relative comfort and ease. There are some, however, who would prefer a more secure option that feels and looks more natural. As dental implants have become more common and more advanced, more patients are turning to implant-retained dentures as their tooth replacement option of choice.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

A dental implant is a tiny post that is shaped like a screw and placed in the bone of the jaw by a periodontal specialist or oral surgeon. This post serves as a sturdy anchor for a custom restoration like a crown, bridge, or denture. When combined with dentures, dental implants can dramatically improve chewing function and overall quality of life. Patients with implant-retained dentures can finally enjoy their favorite foods again, including everything from a juicy steak to corn on the cob and a fresh apple.

While traditional dentures replace the crown portion of your missing teeth, only dental implants replace the root portion as well. This helps to keep the bone tissue in the jaw strong and healthy, which in turn prevents the sunken facial appearance that is common in individuals who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. A consultation with our team will aid in determining your candidacy for dental implants as well as the treatment plan that best suits your unique needs.

Reclaim Your Smile and Your Bite

If you are considering dentures (or if you already wear them) and are curious about what is possible with dental implants, contact our office today to schedule your consultation with our team. We genuinely look forward to helping you achieve the stability and comfort you deserve with our comprehensive menu of restorative dentistry solutions. Our Fort Smith, AR dental practice warmly welcomes patients from nearby communities in Sallisaw, Pocola, Alma, Greenwood, Van Buren, Poteau, Heavener, and beyond.