Physiologic dentistry is a holistic approach to dental healthcare. Teeth cleanings and routine exams are crucial to maintaining good oral health; however, many oral health problems require more comprehensive care. Health conditions in the mouth often indicate a larger issue in the jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), airway, or other body parts. At Siegart Dental, we provide physiologic dental services to help patients maintain both a beautiful smile and good overall health.
The mouth is often referred to as the window to the rest of the body. In particular, it can offer insight into the health of the TMJ, muscles, bones, and even nerves. In physiologic dentistry, practitioners take all this into account when treating patients. The goal is to fix the underlying problem to improve the patient’s general health. It follows that physiologic dentistry can treat various conditions and diseases, from bite issues and broken teeth to TMJ disorders and obstructive sleep apnea. Take a closer look below.
Bite issues are among the most common issues treated at our physiologic dental office. Chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken teeth can be repaired using dental crowns, inlays or onlays, bonding, or other dental restorations. Physiologic dentists will not only provide these restorations but also look for and treat the underlying cause. This often boils down to a problem with the bite, such as a misaligned bite (malocclusion).
Behaviors that may cause tooth fractures include biting hard foods like candy, chewing ice, biting nails, playing sports without a mouthguard, and teeth grinding (bruxism). However, some tooth fractures are not as easy to treat as surface-level issues, requiring the help of a dental professional. Common bite-related causes of broken teeth include:
Bite issues may bring more than broken teeth. They can also cause headaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and general discomfort in the mouth. Certain types of malocclusion, such as crowding, make it difficult to practice good oral hygiene. Food can easily become lodged between crowded or twisted teeth — it can then be difficult to remove because the teeth overlap. This creates the perfect storm for tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, and gum recession.
The TMJ connects the jaw and the skull. Think of it like a door hinge that is crucial to the function of one’s jaw. Unfortunately, it can become dysfunctional and result in a TMJ disorder. Pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulder is common, as are migraines, earaches, and toothaches. The jaw may also feel stiff and pop or click while chewing.
Misaligned bites may lead to a TMJ disorder, in which the jaw becomes painful and tender. Conversely, a TMJ disorder can also cause the teeth to shift out of alignment. Other common causes range from bruxism and jaw clenching (such as from stress) to arthritis and traumatic injuries.
TMJ disorders can be tricky to manage, mainly because many factors could contribute to them. In physiological dentistry, the goal is to minimize TMJ dysfunction symptoms while also treating the underlying cause. Our dentist may take various approaches based on the specific condition of the patient, such as restorative procedures to repair broken teeth or orthodontic treatments to realign the bite. We can also advise on managing the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Oral health issues may obstruct the airway, leading to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and vice versa. OSA happens when the throat muscles become too relaxed during sleep and block the airflow, interfering with one’s breathing.
Physiological dental treatment for OSA focuses on how to keep the airway open and unobstructed throughout the night. A common approach is to create custom mouthpieces, like mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or dental sleep devices, to realign the jaw. MADs push the jaw forward to keep the airway open and help strengthen it.
Turn to physiological dentistry for comprehensive dental care. At Siegart Dental, we address both the symptom and the cause, whether that is a bite issue, TMJ disorder, airway obstruction, or another condition. Call today to schedule your first appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Physiologic Dentistry in Onalaska, WI.
You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good…
Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to…
Dental anxiety can strike weeks before your next appointment. As a result, people with dental phobias often experience feelings of dread whenever the thought of having to go to a dentist creeps into their heads. As a result, people with the condition typically make up excuses to avoid going to the clinic to avoid having…
A family dentist is unique in that they treat all age groups. This ensures that you and your family members can go to the same dentist for all your oral care needs, which makes life easy and saves you time and money. In this review, we discuss the benefits of consulting with a family dentist…