Tooth Damage

Do you suffer from worn teeth? It's a condition that can profoundly impact your dental health and overall well-being. At the San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea, we're here to help you regain your dental comfort and confidence.

Damaged teeth and their relation to sleep apnea

Surprisingly, there's a connection between worn teeth and sleep apnea. The clenching and grinding that often accompany sleep apnea can accelerate tooth wear. Understanding this relationship is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan.

What Causes Worn Teeth?

Worn teeth can result from several factors, such as:

Bruxism: Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep, can cause significant wear and tear on your enamel.
Acid erosion: Consuming acidic foods and drinks or suffering from acid reflux can erode your tooth enamel over time.
Age: Your teeth naturally experience some wear as you age, but excessive wear can lead to problems.
Misaligned bite: An improper bite alignment can contribute to uneven tooth wear.

Unveiling Insights into Sleep Apnea-Related Tooth Damage with CT Scans

CT scans provide a detailed look into the orofacial region, aiding in identifying issues contributing to sleep apnea-related tooth damage. These scans can reveal conditions like bruxism, which involves teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. By visualizing the extent of dental damage and its underlying causes, clinicians can tailor interventions to mitigate further harm and preserve dental health. It's important to note that while CT scans are valuable diagnostic tools, a comprehensive assessment for sleep apnea considers various diagnostic modalities. Comprehensive evaluation incorporates clinical assessments, sleep studies, and dental examinations, ensuring a holistic understanding of the patient's condition.

Treatments for worn teeth

Worn teeth can be effectively treated through a range of comprehensive approaches tailored to your specific needs. For those experiencing wear due to sleep apnea, we offer treatments such as:

NightLase

Improves sleep quality and sleep apnea issues.

Orthodontics

Aligners, braces, and Maxillary Skeletal Expanders (MSE) that can help align your bite and prevent further wear.

Orofacial pain

Concerns related to grinding and clenching through therapies like BOTOX, Prolotherapy, and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) injectables.

Home Sleep Study

Identify exact sleep habits that may be contributing to tooth damage during sleep with the home sleep study.

Bite Reconstruction

Bite reconstruction is a comprehensive dental approach that addresses tooth damage by restoring proper occlusion and function through various restorative procedures.

Bite Correction

Bite correction addresses tooth damage by aligning the jaw, preventing wear, and enhancing overall oral health and functionality.

Anti-Aging Dentistry

Anti-aging dentistry addresses tooth damage through cosmetic and restorative procedures, rejuvenating smiles and enhancing overall oral aesthetics.

We emphasize a holistic approach, including nutrition guidance with anti-inflammatory diets, posture correction, and specialized exercises. Whether it's TMJ issues, migraines, or neck pain, we have the expertise to provide comprehensive solutions, including full mouth reconstruction with crowns and veneers.

Find Out About Our Unique Approach

Why is treating worn teeth so important?

Worn teeth can lead to a range of dental issues, including sensitivity, pain, and compromised oral function. Timely treatment not only preserves your dental health but also prevents more extensive and costly dental procedures in the future.

How are worn teeth repaired?

Crowns and veneers are invaluable for repairing worn teeth and restoring their functionality and aesthetics. These dental restorations offer different approaches to address various degrees of tooth wear:

Crowns (Dental Caps)

Crowns are often employed for teeth with significant wear, damage, or extensive decay. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing strength and protection. They are customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. Due to wear, crowns are especially effective for teeth with large, structurally compromised surfaces.

Veneers

Veneers, on the other hand, are a more conservative option used for minor to moderate tooth wear or cosmetic enhancements. These thin porcelain or composite resin shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers can improve the appearance of worn, discolored, or misshapen teeth while preserving much of the natural tooth structure.

Why choose us for your worn teeth treatment?

Choose the San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea for your sleep apnea treatment because we provide high-quality, personalized care beyond the standard medical approach. Our team of professionals specializes in advanced treatments, making your diagnosis and treatment planning quick and easy.

We combine medical and dental expertise.

Our integrated healthcare model combines medical, cosmetic, and dental expertise, providing holistic care to improve overall well-being. With a focus on pain relief, improved jaw function, and minimally invasive treatments, our goal is to enhance your quality of life, offering emotional and psychological support along the way. We combine evidence-based treatments for TMJ, physical therapy, myofunctional therapy, improved nasal breathing, and nutrition counseling for your convenience.