Bruxism Treatments
Bruxism 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.
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.
- 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.
- Arthritis. In the most severe cases, bruxism can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints that allow the jaw to open and close smoothly.
Treatment Options
Though there is no known cure for bruxism, there are a variety of devices and services available through our office to help treat bruxism:
- Mouthguards. An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from teeth impressions to minimize the abrasive grinding action during normal sleep. Mouthguards must be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage.
- Hawley Anterior Bite Plane: This device is similar to an orthodontic retainer except that only covers the front teeth and must be fitted at our office. The idea behind the Hawley Bite plane is to prevent grinding the rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle in the jaw.
- Botox®: Botox® can be injected into the muscles responsible for bruxing by disabling them enough to prevent grinding, but not enough to disrupt normal functions like speaking and chewing. While Botox® is one of the treatment options listed, it is not currently available at Carroll Periodontics, Endodontics, and Implant Dentistry. If, after your appointment with Dr. Kleinman, Dr. O'Sullivan or Dr. Park, you would like to schedule Botox® Treatment we can coordinate a referral.
Once bruxing is under control, we can perform a variety of dental procedures to restore the pleasant aesthetic appearance to your smile such as crown application, gum grafts, and crown lengthening.
With over 23 years experience, Dr. Kleinman offers the highest quality and the most comprehensive periodontal and dental implant care in the Westminster area.
Call Today Schedule an AppointmentCarroll Periodontics, Endodontics, and Implant Dentistry
Patient Testimonial
The dental procedures I went to Dr. Kleinman were complex and very necessary. He explained every step of the procedures and provided written instructions. I couldn't be more pleased.
- John B
Patient Testimonial
The folks at Carroll Perio & Implant Dentistry could not have been nicer or easier to work with. I was running late due to some traffic issues and they said, no problem. Then I got lost and couldn't find the office. When I called them again, they were incredibly nice and non-judgmental and they took me in for my appointment despite being late. Dr. Kleinman was professional and a fount of knowledge. I feel very secure knowing he is there for me. And his staff! Angels, all of them! Thank you again for your kindness. I truly am grateful to all of you for taking me in on such short notice and working with my tight schedule. I look forward to my next visit during this stressful part of life, safe in the knowledge that I will receive the best of care from Carroll Perio & Implant Dentistry. Thanks again folks! I will definitely recommend you to all of my friends.
- Pamela N
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Office staff are awesome. Very personable office
- Walter S
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Excellent service, very friendly staff,
- Brianna K
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Very pleasant staff, friendly.
- James S
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After 14 years and 10 months, I was pleasantly surprised to find Maria still doing scaling and planing at the practice of Dr. Justin Kleinnman. She had performed that procedure for me when it was Dr. Sindler's office, who is now retired. Not a believer in coincidences, I thank God she is still there helping people. So long as she would still be available, I would never recommend anyone else for scaling and planing. She is very skillful and gentle and kind; a comfort to any patient. We would also like to thank and commend Dytra, their Office Manager, who is very friendly and professional and efficient and kind. Awesome group, including Dr. Kleinman, of course!
- Alan K
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Would recommend this practice with no reservations.
- Dawn M
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So I was very impressed and happy I took the referral from my former boss from work. From the staff at the reception to the Doctor himself they were all very professional and I think the one thing that stood him out was also his honest professional recommendation. He could have stuck to what my last doctor said but he told me the truth! which will save us a ton of money..... very happy with them. I rarely take the time to do reviews but when I do its either really very good or bad. In this case Very Good!
- Yetunde A
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The staff is extremely efficient and understanding. Dr. Kleinman is very kind and knowledgeable.
- Patricia P
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I am always nervous staff and doctor were extremely patient. I they instill confidence.
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Great experience.
- Weido D
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Very nice office
- Maureen V
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Great experience here. Would definitely recommend this office.
- Bonnie K
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The staff and Dr. Kleinman did a fantastic job with my dental situation. I had been very nervous about implants and the procedure but the anticipation was actually worse. Everything was vitually painless and I was very pleased with the results. Highly recommend!
- Alan N
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I live in Baltimore and it was worth the drive. Dr. Kleinman and staff were professional and friendly
- Laurelie O
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The office service alone is enough to recommend this practice, but it goes beyond that. After a not so pleasant experience at another office Dr. Kleinman and his staff actually made getting an implant a positive and enjoyable experience. How many dental appointments can you actually say you look forward to?! I had very little pain after the actual implant and the pre and post appointments were easy. Thank you Dr. Kleinman and staff!
- Cat C
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Very pleasant experience, very professional efficient and friendly.
- Kathleen C
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Best periodontist ever
- Karen M
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Dr. Kleinman and his staff made me feel welcomed and at ease about my first appointment. I went in for a consultation about my recession and he explained how bad it was and that he needed to do gum grafting. He told me to get it done as soon as possible, I was a little worried about it but the way he explained it made me feel better. His staff was very helpful in helping me schedule for my procedures and that's why I will go to Dr. Kleinman because the office is very friendly and welcoming. I definitely recommend.
- Katie H