Bruxism

Do you wake up in the morning and struggle to brush your teeth because you can barely open your jaw? When jaw muscles tighten during sleep, this is usually due to a condition called bruxism. Bruxism occurs when teeth clench or grind together during the day or throughout the night. To treat this condition, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental may suggest a night guard.

Bruxism can be attributed to stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger, or it can simply occur from a misaligned bite. Misaligned bites are usually treated with orthodontics, but an alternative treatment is a night guard to alleviate pressure on the jaw. If you notice your jaw muscles contracting, a grinding sound that disturbs your partner during sleep, or long-lasting facial pain, schedule a consultation with us today.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bruxism, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Most of us may notice a clicking or a popping sound when we chew, but we don’t realize where it’s coming from. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull which are located in front of each ear. Without this joint, we wouldn’t be able to speak, eat, or yawn. When this joint becomes inflamed, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental can treat the problem.

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a name for a combination of symptoms that arise with inflammation in the temporomandibular joint. Though there is no documented cause for these conditions, speculations include teeth clenching, arthritis in the joint, and/or stress. If you are experiencing these symptoms, treatment options may include a mouth guard or a night guard to wear during sleep to alleviate pressure on the jaw muscles.

If you have questions or concerns regarding facial pain, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Acid Reflux

As part of our focus on preventive care, we at Bear Creek Dental want to educate our patients about one of the most common causes of toothaches in adults: acid reflux disease. This condition can be highly damaging to oral health, but there are ways of managing it.

Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it is easily eroded by stomach acid. If a patient’s stomach acid escapes into their esophagus at least twice a week, they are said to be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or, more informally, heartburn. The upper back teeth are the ones in the most vulnerable position and their erosion usually follows a pattern. First, the teeth look frosted and glazed, then they develop small cracks, and finally, the cusps wear away.

Although damaged enamel cannot be regrown, it can be repaired with fillings and partial crowns. But because acid reflux is painful and can contribute to esophageal cancer, patients will need to prevent it anyway. Reducing intake of fatty meats, citrus juice, onions, garlic, chocolate, and alcohol is a good start, as is avoiding large meals before bed and maintaining better posture.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Tooth Sensitivity in Children

Our child patients are no less important to us than adults at Bear Creek Dental, and we want to help children resolve problems they may experience with oversensitivity. It is an unfortunate truth that new teeth pushing through the gum line sometimes cause soreness and that new teeth will be sensitive when they are first exposed to air. However, there are some other reasons for tooth sensitivity in children which require our attention.

Children are the demographic which is most likely to experience cavities. They also experience high rates of gingivitis. This usually happens when they don’t brush their teeth enough. However, an alternative reason for sensitivity is that they are brushing too hard, damaging their gum tissue and allowing their tooth roots to become exposed.

It is important to encourage children to be as specific as possible when describing their symptoms. Soreness in the back upper teeth may indicate a sinus infection. Pain in their jaws may indicate that they are grinding or clenching their teeth while asleep. It is also possible that there is a greater underlying problem which needs to be investigated. Children with diabetes have higher rates of gum inflammation, and people with autism are often more sensitive in general.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Whitening Advantages

Are you afraid to show off your smile due to its lackluster appearance? If so, our doctors of Bear Creek Dental are here to revive it – with whitening services. Professional in-office teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures. This is because it allows you to whiten in a safe, controlled, and carefully monitored environment.

In-office teeth whitening provides fast results and has the ability to make your teeth appear at least two shades whiter. Though whitening will not remove intrinsic stains that are deep in the enamel, it will remove extrinsic stains that are caused by coffee, red wine, sodas, and or dark colored fruits and vegetables. With whiter teeth comes more self-confidence, so if you want that winning smile, contact us today.

If you have questions or concerns regarding whitening services, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Wisdom Teeth

With age comes wisdom, and also, wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17-22 and are the third and final set of molars to develop. Although most people have them, it is possible for them to never evolve.  If a wisdom tooth is impacted – under the gum – our doctors at Bear Creek Dental may need to discuss extraction to avoid complications.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, but when they become problematic, the need for extraction increases. When wisdom teeth are misaligned, they will not erupt properly. The partial eruption may damage adjacent teeth and cause pain to the jawbone and nerves. When wisdom teeth are impacted, or partially erupted, bacteria can enter around the tooth and cause an infection. During your next dental appointment, ask one of our doctors about the positioning of your wisdom teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Sedation Dentistry

Does the idea of visiting the dentist give you mild anxiety? Or does it leave you with a paralyzing fear? At Bear Creek Dental, we specialize in sedation dentistry; therefore we are prepared and ready for patients who suffer from dental phobias and anxieties. Different types of sedation we provide include oral sedation, a pill, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation. The type you receive will need to be discussed with our doctor during a consultation.

Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed and calm state through the use of sedatives.  Sedation techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure, depending on the needs of the patient. In fact, it often makes patients feel as if a procedure has only lasted a few minutes instead of several hours. Questions to ask your doctor are “Will I be unconscious during the dental procedure?” or “Do I need someone to drive me home?” Regardless of the type of sedation, our doctor deems best for you, you are guaranteed to be safe in good hands.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.