We all know about most of the services provided by dentists, such as fillings, crowns, tooth extractions, dental bridges, etc. But there are other treatments offered by some dentists that may surprise you. Although these services are directly related to oral health, they go beyond the scope of typical dental services.
Snoring and Apnea Treatments
If you have trouble sleeping because of your own loud snoring or the snoring of a family member, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. And lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your overall health and the quality of your life. An even more serious condition is sleep apnea, where the patient actually stops breathing for several seconds while asleep. Many dentists offer treatments for both loud snoring and sleep apnea, such as an oral sleep appliance that keep airways open and clear while the patient sleeps. If the problem is severe, your dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist or an oral surgeon, who can perform a procedure to remove part of the soft tissue in the back of your neck to help open the airway.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth at night (also called “bruxism”) not only damages your teeth; it can also result in morning headaches and can negatively impact the quality of your sleep. Many dentists offer treatments for patients who grind their teeth, such as specially designed mouthguards that protect your teeth while you sleep.
TMJ Disorder
If you suffer from headaches or pain in and around your jaw, you could be suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. The temporomandibular joint is located in front of your ears. You can actually feel this joint functioning when you open and close your mouth. When too much stress is placed on this joint – such as that incurred from an injury, clenching the jaw too much, arthritis, or teeth grinding – the joint may become injured and begin to malfunction. Many dentists now offer treatments for TMJ disorder, such as medications, dental appliance therapy, and/or recommendations for dietary changes to relieve stress on the joint.
Sports Protection
Certain sports and physical activities can put your teeth at risk. Rough-and-tumble sports such as football, soccer and basketball make it all too easy for players to break a tooth or even knock a tooth out. Fortunately, sports guards offer an excellent way to protect the athelete’s teeth, which is why some dentists now offer a variety of mouthguards especially designed for atheletes.
The field of dentistry isn’t just about teeth and gums. Countless dentists across the US have expanded their list of services to include a variety of issues that impact your overall oral health. If you suffer from any of these problems, talk to your dentist!
