Complex Restorative Treatment Indicators: Side Effects and Symptoms
The need for complex restorative treatment often results from a culmination of side effects and symptoms related to the oral cavity. However minor or severe, oral conditions impacting health require attention and may affect the vitality of other structures if such conditions are not addressed. A number of side effects and symptoms may indicate the need for complex restorative treatment, or treatment plans created to treat a variety of dental needs and concerns of a patient. Whether a patient’s oral concerns center on teeth grinding or require improvement of jaw alignment, identifying side effects and symptoms of conditions addressed by complex restorative treatment is a crucial part of planning for a healthier oral environment.
Side Effects and Symptoms Revealing a Need for Treatment
Though side effects and symptoms pointing to a need for complex restorative treatment may vary from person to person, there are certain factors common to oral conditions requiring treatment that indicate a threat to the individual’s health either in the present or future. Such side effects and symptoms are described in the information below.
Headaches
Though headaches can be caused by a myriad of factors, certain oral conditions are known to frequently induce them, especially in a chronic pattern. Habits such as teeth grinding, biting inferences on chewing surfaces and improper jaw alignment can all lead to headaches, particularly when these conditions are ongoing and untreated. Headaches often indicate that something in the mouth or jaw area is off-balance or impeding normal function. For instance, problems with occlusion (how the upper and lower teeth fit together upon closing), such as uneven chewing surfaces on a tooth, can cause a cascade of issues that affect the health of the tooth structure, jaw alignment and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Each area of impact, or all of them together, can result in oral problems leading to acute or chronic headaches.
Teeth Grinding
A habit for many individuals, teeth grinding is the action of rubbing the upper and lower teeth together, often leading to negative effects for the teeth, jaw bone and TMJ. Teeth grinding habits may occur while conscious or during sleep, and are frequently induced by stress, anxiety or frustration along with sleep apnea, sleep disorders and problems associated with jaw alignment, among other conditions and environmental influences. The action of grinding the upper and lower teeth together places significant stress on the tooth structure, supporting bone, gum tissues and jaw joints and head, neck and shoulder muscles. Wear and damage to these structures can create the need for complex restorative dentistry treatment.
Bruxism
Severe or prolonged teeth grinding and clenching is known as bruxism. When either or both of these chronic, harmful habits occur, unnecessary stress and force is placed on the teeth, gums, bone and TMJ. Bruxism is the causative agent for a number of oral health-related conditions, such as broken or fractured teeth, worn tooth enamel and gum inflammation. Difficulty with eating or yawning and pain or popping of the jaw upon opening are common effects of bruxism, as well. Extreme cases involve conditions of the jaw joint itself and surrounding facial muscles, and often lead to chronic headaches and facial, neck, ear and shoulder pain. Certain oral factors are known to contribute to the habit of excessive teeth grinding, such as bite interferences, malpositioned teeth and problems with jaw alignment.
Jaw Alignment
Jaw alignment refers to the way the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaw structures meet, or the positioning of each when coming together. When the upper and lower jaw bones do not meet as they should, pain, discomfort and other oral dysfunction can result. Factors causing jaw misalignment and affecting proper biting function often include the following:
- TMJ Disorder
- Accidents or other jaw trauma
- Congenital abnormalities
- Early childhood habits (such as finger sucking)
- Ill-fitting appliances or dental restorations
- Tooth loss and subsequent shifting of remaining teeth
If necessary, complex restorative dentistry treatment plans may incorporate procedures to correct jaw alignment or eliminate causative elements preventing proper positioning.
TMJ
A common condition affecting numerous individuals, TMJ Disorder (or Syndrome) involves the jaw joints located on either side the head as well as the surrounding tissues. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is responsible for a number of oral actions, from opening and closing the mouth to chewing, yawning, swallowing and speaking. When the TMJ and its surrounding muscles are impacted, a number of symptoms result, such as pain, popping and grinding of the joint along with headaches, earaches and neck, shoulder and facial discomfort. Though the exact etiology of TMJ Disorder remains unknown, certain identifiable factors have been associated with the condition:
- Bruxism (excessive teeth grinding or clenching)
- Anxiety and stress
- Jaw alignment problems
- Arthritic disorders
- Occlusal interferences (on chewing surfaces of teeth)
- Musculoskeletal concerns (such as improper posture)
TMJ syndrome can affect the overall health and well-being of a patient, and must be addressed as part of an overall complex restorative treatment plan if present.
Are You Showing These Signs and Symptoms?
Failing to correct these issues could result in less effective treatment protocols or complex restorative treatments that do not last as long as planned. Any of these signs and symptoms should be brought to the attention of and discussed with your dentist as soon as becoming apparent. For more information on conditions indicating the need for complex restorative dentistry, contact your dentist for a consultation today.