Center One Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry in Canonsburg
Keeps Your Smile Protected
Our preventive services enable us to accomplish our number one goal here at Center One Dental: stop dental problems before they even start. Thanks to this approach, your smile will look and feel much better over time. Plus, it will drastically lower you chances of needing more involved and expensive treatments down the road. With just two preventive appointments a year, we can give everyone in your family the kind of smile they never have to worry about. To schedule your next checkup and cleaning, contact us today.
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
The standard dental checkup and teeth cleaning are two of the most effective services we provide every day. With them, we’re able to remove the harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth that is the root cause of most dental problems, and they also give Dr. Raj the chance to examine the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and dental work. Regular exams will allow him to catch any problems you might have early and treat them well before they can affect your smile.
Learn More About Tooth Decay Prevention
Nightguards for Bruxism
Do you ever wake up in the morning with a sore jaw, or do your teeth appear to have been worn down flat? If so, you may be suffering from bruxism, a condition where a person unconsciously clenches their jaw and grinds their teeth while they sleep. We can help keep your smile protected using something called a nightguard, which you’ll only need to wear to bed. This custom-made mouthpiece will place a firm but comfortable barrier on your teeth to keep them from grinding together.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the clenching and/or grinding of the teeth – usually during sleep. This is a common issue among people of all ages. Some common causes may include stress, abnormal bite, missing teeth, and sleep apnea. When left untreated, bruxism can lead to excessive wear and tear of the teeth and jaw pain. Many people are unaware that they have bruxism until complications arise. Here are some common signs and symptoms of bruxism that you should be aware of.
- Wearing of the teeth
- Fractured teeth and fillings
- Grinding noises
- Facial muscle pain and aches
- Locking, cracking, and clicking of the jaws
- Frequent headaches
- Tired or stiff jaw muscles and joints
Customized vs. Store-Bought Nightguard
Nightguard are customized appliances that are meant to be worn during sleep to prevent clenching and grinding. They work by keeping the bottom and top teeth from coming into direct contact with each other. This takes the pressure off the teeth at night, helping you to achieve more quality sleep without risking your oral health. There are two main types of nightguards to choose from:
- Store-Bought
- One-Size-Fits-All: The first over-the-counter option takes a one-size-fits-all approach. These products are designed to fit most mouth types.
- Boil-and-Bite: This type of nightguard softens when boiled, so you are able to bite into it to create a better fit for your smile.
- Customized
- In the case of a custom nightguard, we will take a professional impression of your teeth and send it on to a laboratory where your nightguard will be made just for you. During your next dental visit, you can confirm that the guide fits as it should.
The Process of Getting a Nightguard
During your appointment, we will examine your smile and make impressions of your teeth so your appliance can be personalized for optimal comfort and effectiveness. We will send the impressions to the dental lab to custom-craft your nightguard. This way, you can be assured that it fits perfectly. When it’s done, you will return to our office and try it on. Final adjustments can be made if needed, and then you can enjoy restful sleep without risking your smile.
The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard
There are a variety of benefits that you can experience by wearing a nightguard for bruxism. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
- Teeth Protection: Nightguards protect the teeth during sleep, minimizing and preventing damage.
- Customized: Nightguards are customized just for you, so they will fit perfectly and comfortably in your mouth.
- Healthier Teeth: By reducing the amount of grinding and clenching, you can reduce wear and tear of the tooth enamel.
- Improved Breathing: Over-the-counter nightguards can restrict your airflow. Since our nightguards are customized, you won’t run into this issue.
Caring for Your Sportsguard
Proper maintenance is necessary to keep your appliance in good condition. You will receive a plastic case to keep your sportsguard in a safe place when it isn’t in use. You should rinse and brush your appliance after each use. When doing so, consider the following:
- Use only clean, cool water to wash your nightguard
- Don’t use a denture cleanser
- Don’t use hot water for cleaning
- Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning
- Don’t keep your appliance in direct sunlight
Mouthguards & Sportsguards
One of the most common causes of broken and knocked out teeth are sports injuries, but fortunately, you can easily avoid these kinds of mishaps simply by wearing a protective mouthguard the next time you hit the field, mat, or court. Our custom-made mouthguards are much stronger and comfortable than anything you can buy at the store, ensuring you can keep your mind on the game and keep your smile in one piece every time you play.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is an often fatal disease that is actually very treatable when detected early, which is why Dr. Raj recommends that all adults should have at least one oral cancer screening per year. He can perform one as part of your regular checkups, and they only take a few minutes. He’ll look at your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, neck, and face for any signs of the disease, and should he find something, he can quickly help you arrange follow-up treatment.