Bite Splint Therapy for Bruxism (Grinding and Clenching of Teeth)
Many people experience unconscious grinding and clenching of their teeth, usually when asleep. This condition is call Bruxism. If left untreated it will cause teeth to become worn or fractured making them more susceptible to chips, cavities or tooth loss. It can also cause headaches, muscle aches and jaw discomfort including TMJ. Dr Henderson has extensive post doctorate training in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Once diagnosed the, Dr Henderson works with the patient to create a precision bite splint to be worn mostly at night. The bite splint will help protect the teeth from future wear. It will also hold the jaw in a more neutral position that will help lessen the incidents of teeth clenching and grinding and the resulting muscle and joint discomfort.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapy
Over 20 million people suffer from lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea. What causes sleep Apnea? When we sleep, gravity and our muscles relaxing can cause the tongue and surrounding soft tissue to fall back into the throat obstructing airflow in the throat. This can cause pauses in breathing called apneas. Chronic snoring and interrupted sleep are the result but these symptoms are not just an inconvenience. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to more serious health risks.
One effective treatment for sleep apnea is Oral Appliance Therapy. These devices are fitted by dentists trained in treating sleep apnea. Much like a bite guard, they fit in the mouth. They move the jaw and tongue forward during sleep keeping the patient's airway open. They are comfortable, easy to clean, portable, require no electricity or make no noise which is why many patients prefer this treatment over using a CPAC mask. At our office we are trained to identify possible symptoms of sleep apnea and work with specialist in our office to easily offer this treatment options to our patients.
