Tooth extractions are done in a safe and comfortable environment at Dr. Tom Holt Family Dentistry. We offer oral conscious sedation and specialized monitoring equipment to ease your anxiety and make dental extractions easy and safe.
Many people are afflicted with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger problem at night while you are asleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain and/or irritate your gums. If you grind your teeth, a night guard should be considered. The night guard, which is similar to, but much smaller than, a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing.
Do you or a loved one suffer from intense snoring, morning headaches, fatigue, or gasping during sleep? You or your loved one could be experiencing a dangerous medical condition known as sleep apnea. Many Americans are affected by the most common form of sleep apnea known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. This condition causes a person to actually stop breathing while they are sleeping and has been known to cause serious health conditions and be potentially life threatening.
Oral appliances are the most commonly accepted method for treating sleep apnea and are a great alternative to a CPAP mask or surgical treatment. The appliance fits in the mouth like a mouth guard or orthodontic retainer and prevents airway obstruction by repositioning the lower jaw and soft tissue. This can reduce or eliminate snoring and allows the patient to sleep through the night with no airway blockage. At Dr. Tom Holt Family Dentistry we typically customize a device which will help you get a better night’s sleep.
TMJ / TMD can be caused by stress, trauma, clenching, or teeth grinding. Some of the symptoms of TMD are:
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Pain when opening or closing mouth
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Trouble chewing
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Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
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Headaches or ear pain
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Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
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Teeth grinding
If you suspect you may have TMJ / TMD come in for a consultation. We can help with a diagnosis and provide relief for your symptoms. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short term methods to provide relief for pain symptoms. A night guard can be used to help prevent or lessen the effects of teeth grinding at night.