Paris & Shumaker Periodontics

Periodontics

Fort Collins & Greeley, CO

970-207-4061

SERVICES

• Periodontal Disease Treatment
  • Scaling and Root Planing - Deep Cleaning
  • Periodontal Surgery (Osseous/Bone Grafting)
  • Laser Surgery (LANAP)
  • Perioscopy
  • Periodontal Maintenance (Recall Cleanings)
  • Atridox - Locally Delivered Antibiotic Gel
• Anesthesia/Sedation Options
• Biopsy
• Cosmetic periodontal procedures
• Crown Lengthening
• Dental Implants
• Frenectomy
• Gingival (Gum) Grafting
• Impacted Orthodontic Tooth Exposure
• Oral Cancer / Oral Pathology Exam
• Peri-Implantitis
• Ridge Augmentation Bone Graft
• Sinus Lift Bone Graft
• Tooth Extraction/Ridge Preservation Bone Graft
• Tooth Grinding/Bruxism
• Wilckodontics/PAOO

Tooth Grinding/Bruxism

A bite is considered to be healthy when all or most of the teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage. An abnormal bite can contribute to many oral conditions/diseases and a healthy bite is especially important in both periodontal and dental implant treatment.

Bruxism (tooth grinding) is an oral parafunctional activity that commonly occurs in most people at some point in their lives. The two main characteristics of this condition are grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. These actions usually occur during a person's sleeping hours, but occasionally they occur during the day.

Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders. Chewing is a neuromuscular activity controlled by a subconscious process, but more highly controlled by the brain. During sleep, the subconscious process may become active, while the higher control is inactive (asleep), resulting in bruxism. The most common symptoms are earaches, headaches, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and chronic stress.

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Why should I seek treatment for Bruxism?

• Gum recession. Bruxism is a leading cause of gum recession and tooth loss. Grinding can damage the soft tissue directly and lead to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria are able to colonize and decay the supporting bone.
• Bone Loss (Periodontal or Peri-Implant). Tooth grinding can contribute to bone loss found in periodontitis (gum disease) and peri-implantitis. Grinding or clenching can accelerate bone loss and lead to earlier tooth or implant loss if untreated.
• Facial pain. Grinding can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth. This can lead to muscle pain in the myofascial region and in severe cases, incapacitating headaches.
• Occlusal trauma. The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth can lead to fractures, which, if left untreated, may require restorative treatment at a later time.

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Treatment Options

Dr Paris and Dr Shumaker perform an occlusal (bite) evaluation in conjunction with your initial exam. If problems are detected treatment may be recommended in conjunction with your periodontal or dental implant treatment. This treatment may be performed by either Dr Paris and Dr Shumaker, or may be referred back to your general dentist depending on the situation. Treatment may include:

• Bite (occlusal) Adjustment.
• Occlusal (bite) Guard. An orthotic device which is worn on the upper and lower teeth at night to relax the muscles and prevent clenching or griding.
• Referral for: Orthodontic treatment, Replacement of old fillings or crowns, or reconstruction of badly worn teeth to reestablish a normal bite.

If you have a tooth grinding or bite problem which you think may be contributing to your oral health please alert Dr Paris and Dr Shumaker at your appointment, contact our office at 970-207-4061 or ask your general dentist for a referral.