What's the Difference Between Night Guards and Mouth Guards?

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Night guards and mouth guards are both protective measures for your teeth — kind of like a helmet is for your head. But that’s where the similarities stop.

While night guards and mouth guards are often grouped together because they look similar to each other, they serve very different purposes. One is designed to protect your teeth from nighttime grinding and clenching. The other is meant to prevent injury during sports.

At Sanitas Dentistry, we regularly help patients across Louisville, Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, and Superior understand the differences between a night guard and a mouth guard, and whether either one is right for them.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what night guards do, how they’re different from mouth guards, and how they may be able to help you.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard for grinding teeth is a dental appliance that’s worn only while you sleep. Sometimes referred to as an occlusal splint, occlusal guard, or bite splint, it creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent any damage caused by clenching and grinding — a condition known as bruxism.

Because bruxism often happens unconsciously during sleep, many of our patients at Sanitas Dentistry don’t even realize they grind their teeth. Others may wake up in the morning with a headache or experience soreness and stiffness in their jaw, without initially understanding why.

Dentists can detect even subtle signs of bruxism, like worn enamel or small fractures, gum recession caused by pressure, or jaw inflammation. All these clues could point to teeth grinding.

How Does a Night Guard Work for Grinding Teeth?

While many people may grind their teeth from time to time, especially during highly stressful times, it becomes a concern if signs and symptoms point to repeated grinding.

That’s where a dental night guard comes in.

A dental night guard works in several ways, and most patients notice the difference pretty quickly.

It acts as a shock absorber of sorts.

Think of the guard like a cushion or a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Instead of enamel grinding directly against enamel, the guard absorbs all that pressure. Over time, this is what helps prevent cracks, chips, and the gradual flattening of your teeth.

It distributes pressure evenly.

People don’t often grind their teeth uniformly — certain teeth take the brunt of it. So, a night guard spreads that pressure out more evenly, again protecting your teeth.

It relaxes the jaw muscles.

Many patients are also really happy to find that their jaw feels more relaxed during the day once they start wearing a night guard. The guard slightly changes how your teeth come together, which can decrease the intensity of your grinding and clenching. Less intensity often means fewer morning headaches and reduced jaw stiffness and facial soreness.

It protects dental work.

If you have crowns, veneers, implants, or orthodontics, a night guard adds an extra layer of protection for that dental work in addition to your natural teeth.

It’s important to know that the night guard won’t actually stop teeth grinding, but it does mitigate any short-term and long-term effects of bruxism by protecting your teeth and jaw.

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An Important Distinction Between a Mouth Guard and a Night Guard

A mouth guard, sometimes called a sports guard, is also protective, but it’s designed to protect your teeth from a completely different type of force.

While night guards mitigate the negative effects of prolonged grinding, mouth guards are designed to absorb sudden impacts, such as a hit during football, boxing, or martial arts.

Mouth guards are typically thicker and bulkier because they need to cushion teeth against trauma. While they’re excellent for preventing chipped or knocked-out teeth during athletic activity, they’re not designed to address nighttime grinding or jaw tension.

This is where confusion can arise. Patients sometimes purchase a sports mouth guard hoping it will solve their grinding problem. Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t provide the right type of protection and can even feel uncomfortable during sleep because it’s so much bigger than a night guard.

How Much Is a Night Guard from the Dentist?

One of the most common questions — and even concerns — we hear is: How much is a night guard from the dentist?

While you can purchase a relatively inexpensive night guard off the shelf at a drugstore, we really encourage our patients to invest in a professional, custom-fitted night guard. We see the best results with guards that are personally designed to fit your mouth.

While pricing varies based on materials and customization, these options will cost more than over-the-counter options because they use impressions or digital scans for personalization. But that extra investment means the night guard will be more durable, more comfortable, and longer-lasting; plus, it’s generally more effective because it’s designed for your specific mouth and bite alignment.

In our experience at Sanitas Dentistry, many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for a night guard when it is deemed medically necessary. We walk patients through options and provide fair and transparent pricing so there are no surprises down the line.

Are Night Guards Worth It?

From a clinical standpoint, the answer is absolutely “yes,” especially if grinding is already causing damage to your teeth.

Many patients hesitate because they’re unsure about the cost or wonder if they should just buy something over the counter. But when you compare the price of a custom dental night guard to the cost of repairing damaged teeth or replacing crowns, the value becomes clear.

When we talk with patients who are evaluating whether a night guard is worth it, we’ve often found it helpful to help them reframe the question. Instead of, “Is this necessary?” make sure you’re also answering the question: “What happens if I do nothing?”

In many cases, the ongoing daily discomfort and the long-term cost of untreated grinding are significantly higher.

How Often Do You Have to Replace Night Guards?

With the right TLC, a night guard can last you for at least a few years before you may need to replace it. The actual timeline depends on the severity of your bruxism and how well the guard is maintained.

If you grind heavily, you may wear out the appliance more quickly. But this is actually a good thing — because it means the guard is absorbing the force instead of your teeth!

Regular checkups will allow your dentist to monitor wear and recommend a replacement when necessary.

How to Clean Night Guards Naturally

Speaking of TLC, proper care extends the life of any appliance, including night guards, while protecting your oral health. If you’re wondering how to clean night guards naturally, the process is quite easy.

Every morning, rinse the guard with water and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Then, put it in a safe place to dry.

For deeper cleaning, about once a week, soak the guard in a diluted vinegar solution or hydrogen peroxide to help remove any buildup. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material. And whatever you do, do not place it in the dishwasher!

Where to Get a Night Guard

Now that you can answer the question, “How does a night guard work?,” you may be ready to take the next step.

If you’re looking for where to get a night guard in Louisville, Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, or Superior, Sanitas Dentistry is here to help.

We begin the process with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation to listen to your symptoms, assess for signs of tooth wear, evaluate your bite, and determine whether grinding is contributing to any discomfort or enamel damage.

If we decide that a night guard is right for you and you want to move forward, we take impressions to create a precise fit. Once your guard is ready, we ensure it fits comfortably and make any adjustments.

Because bruxism is often a long-term habit, ongoing attention and care matter — and it’s something we keep an eye on during every routine six-month cleaning and exam.

Remember: A well-fitted guard today can eliminate the side effects of bruxism and prevent significant restorative treatment in the future.

Are Dental Implants Worth It? A Guide for Colorado Patients

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Losing a tooth when you’re a child is all fun and games, especially when the Tooth Fairy paid a visit. But missing a tooth as an adult? That’s a whole different story.

Missing a tooth (or several teeth) as an adult is a common dental problem, though. And it’s one that obviously affects your smile and how confident you feel about your smile in everyday moments. But it can affect far more than that, too. It can change how you eat and drink, how you speak, and even your overall oral health.

If you’re exploring tooth replacement options, you’ve probably found yourself asking a very practical (and very valid) question: Are dental implants worth it?

For many patients, dental implants are considered one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions available. But they do require a greater investment of time and money than alternatives like bridges or dentures.

This guide is designed to help you understand what dental implants really are, how they compare to other options, and whether they make sense for your health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

What Are Dental Implants? (in Plain English!)

When patients hear the phrase dental implant, they often imagine something bulky or mechanical. But actually, implants are surprisingly simple in concept, and very practical in everyday life.

Instead of just replacing the part of the tooth you see, a dental implant replaces the root as well. That’s what makes it different from bridges or dentures, and it’s also why many patients say it feels more “real” once everything is healed.

A dental implant starts with a small titanium post that’s placed into the jawbone. Titanium is used because the body accepts it well — something we often explain to patients who are understandably nervous about a foreign material in their mouth.

Over time, the bone grows around the implant and holds it in place. When patients hear this, they usually pause and say something like, “Wait. It actually becomes part of my bone?” And yes, essentially, it does — as weird as that might sound!

Once that healing phase is complete, the visible tooth, which is called the crown, is added on top. At that point, most patients stop thinking of it as an implant and start thinking of it as just… their tooth.

The Elements of a Dental Implant (and Why They Matter)

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we find it helps patients understand implants a bit better by breaking them down — not because the process is complicated, but because knowing what’s happening reduces that sense of uncertainty and anxiety.

A dental implant has three main parts:

• The implant post, which is the titanium “root” placed in the jawbone

• The abutment, which connects the implant to the replacement tooth

• The crown, which is the part you see when you smile

Patients are often most focused on the crown: how it will look, whether it will match, and whether people will notice it. In practice, that’s usually the easiest part. Today’s crowns are custom-made to blend in naturally, and once they’re in place, even patients tend to forget which tooth was replaced.

The real work happens beneath the surface, where the implant post bonds to the bone through a process called osseointegration. We won’t get overly scientific here, but this step is what gives implants their long-term strength and stability.

What the Dental Implant Process Is Actually Like

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that getting a dental implant is a single, intense procedure. Instead, it’s a series of steps intentionally spaced out over time.

Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Consultation: This is where we listen to your concerns and assess your oral health. Imaging and exams help determine whether implants are a good option, but the conversation matters just as much to address questions and concerns. Dental implants are generally suitable for most patients who have lost one or more teeth and have sufficient bone density to support the implant

2. Implant Placement: The implant itself is placed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. We work with exceptional implant placement experts. And while many patients dread this step the most, they are often surprised by how manageable it is. A common comment we hear afterward is,“That was it?”

While there will be some mild swelling and soreness for a few days post-procedure, most patients experience hardly any disruption to their daily activities.

3. Post-Placement Healing: This is the part that patients actually find the hardest! And that’s because it requires a little bit of patience. Over the next few months, there is a waiting game before the permanent implant can be placed. During this time, the implant bonds with the jawbone. It’s not the most exciting phase, but it’s critical for long-term success.

4. Crown Placement: Once the implant is fully bonded and integrated to the jawbone, the custom restoration — a.k.a. the crown — can be placed. This is when patients feel like their smile is finally “complete” again.

Dental Implants Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options

Dental implants, bridges, and dentures can all replace missing teeth, but they do it in very different ways — and those differences tend to matter more over time than patients initially expect.

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Considerations for Dental Bridges

A dental bridge essentially replaces a missing tooth by attaching an artificial tooth to the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges generally cost less upfront and can be completed more quickly than dental implants. That’s often a good thing for patients who want a quick fix or to avoid surgery.

But the downside is that bridges can potentially have a negative impact on healthy teeth. To place a bridge, the neighboring teeth typically need to be reshaped to support it.

Here’s a quick summary about dental bridges:

• Lower initial cost

• Faster overall treatment timeline

• Often requires reshaping healthy adjacent teeth

• Typically lasts 7 to 10 years before replacement

Considerations for Dentures

Dentures get a bad rap — but there’s a reason they’ve been commonly used for decades. They do work. Dentures can be partial or full, and they’re a reasonable option for some. Both partial or full dentures are generally more affordable and can be removed for cleaning. But dentures can also come with challenges that aren’t always anticipated.

For example, we often hear concerns about slipping, clicking, or needing adhesive to feel secure. Some patients also notice changes in their speech or the pronunciation of certain words. Others tend to avoid certain foods because chewing doesn’t feel as stable as it did before.

Here’s a quick summary about dentures:

• Lower initial cost

• Ease in cleaning, because they’re removable

• May slip or feel unstable in the mouth

• Could affect speech and eating

• May accelerate bone loss in the jaw over time

• May require replacements or repairs and adjustments over time, increasing the cost

Considerations for Dental Implants

While they’re more expensive, dental implants deliver a more permanent solution than both bridges and dentures. Because they’re secured in the jawbone, they don’t move or shift. Patients don’t need adhesives, and most say they stop thinking about their teeth altogether once the healing process is complete.

Here’s a quick summary about dental implants:

• Higher initial investment

• No adhesives required

• Don’t alter neighboring teeth

• Support jawbone health and preserve facial structure

• Natural look and feel that provides improved comfort and confidence

• Can last 20 years or more

Many patients who work with a dentist in Colorado for dental implants choose them because they offer many advantages in both the short and long term.

The Cost of Dental Implants in Colorado

Because the main drawback of dental implants is their cost, it’s not surprising that cost is one of the most common — and understandable — questions patients ask.

The cost of dental implants in Colorado can vary based on several factors, including how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting or other preparatory procedures are needed, and the type of final restoration being placed. A single implant is very different from a full-arch solution, and materials and technology can also influence pricing.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we offer clear, transparent, and fair pricing to go along with a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to eliminate any surprises and help patients make informed decisions that feel right for them.

So… Are Dental Implants Worth It?

For many people, dental implants are worth it — but not because they’re the newest or most advanced option. They’re worth it because they solve multiple problems simultaneously.

Implants restore chewing strength so you can eat what you want, when you want, protect the jawbone, and eliminate the daily inconveniences of removable options. We often hear from patients who wish they had done implants years ago, especially after struggling with dentures or replacing a bridge multiple times.

That said, the concept of “worth” is highly personal. What makes sense for one patient may not make sense for another, and that’s okay.

Why Patients Choose Sanitas for Dental Implants

Whether you’re searching for dental implants in Colorado, researching options in Superior, Boulder, Louisville, or Erie, or simply Googling dental implants near me, this guide has helped you feel more informed (and more confident!) about your next steps.

And if you are looking for an option for dental implants near Superior, Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, or Erie, Colorado, Sanitas Family Dentistry delivers the highest level of experience and care.

Our team always prioritizes a patient-first approach that focuses on both comfort and education. From the initial consultation to the final placement of the restoration, our team and dental implant specialist in Colorado guide patients every step of the way.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we are not only known for our modern techniques and state-of-the-art materials, but also for personalized evaluations and customized treatment plans. We provide clear, honest communication at every stage in a calm, supportive environment.

You can learn more about our dental implant services here.

How the 2-2-2 Rule in Dentistry Transforms Your Oral Health

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A smile is truly a powerful thing. From lowering your blood pressure and decreasing stress levels to boosting your immune system and elevating your mood, smiling has multiple benefits, whether you’re giving or receiving one.

Following simple oral health tips like the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry helps protect your beautiful smile. At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we’re passionate about educating you on how to preserve your oral health, and we are fully committed to providing exceptional preventive dental care.

Here’s what you need to know about the 2-2-2 rule.

What Is the 2-2-2 Rule in Dentistry?

The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry promotes good oral health habits, and the repeating triple digits make it easy to remember. Simply put, the 2-2-2 rule is:

• Brush your teeth 2 times a day.

• Brush your teeth for 2 minutes each time.

• Visit your dentist 2 times a year (for dental cleanings and checkups).

While the concept is simple, practicing each part of the rule (and not skipping any!) is vital to maintaining good overall dental health.

Let’s start with the importance of brushing your teeth.

To Brush Twice a Day or Not to Brush?

The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body. However, cavities and poor oral hygiene habits can damage your enamel and have a negative impact on your teeth’s integrity.

Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque that forms when bacteria, saliva, and acid mix in your mouth after you eat and drink.

Plaque is sticky, and if you don’t remove it thoroughly and regularly, it hardens and forms tartar on your teeth that a dental hygienist must remove with special instruments during dental cleanings.

Left untreated, plaque and tartar can cause cavities and gum disease. In some cases, these issues can progress and cause an infection or compromise the stability of your teeth.

After reviewing scientific studies and government and professional association guidelines, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to reduce their risk for cavities and “gingival recession or periodontitis.”

Brushing your teeth twice daily typically means doing so in the morning and at night. Flossing daily is also essential to remove buildup between your teeth and along your gums.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Oral Hygiene Habits

You may not realize how oral hygiene habits can significantly impact your overall health. For instance, if you don’t brush, floss, or visit the dentist regularly, the germs in your mouth can not only cause gum disease and tooth decay, but these conditions may, in turn, cause:

• Endocarditis – An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.

• Cardiovascular disease

• Pneumonia

• Pregnancy or birth complications

Other health conditions and disorders that affect oral health include:

• Diabetes

• Cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• Alzheimer's disease

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Eating disorders

• Sjogren’s syndrome

Severe untreated gum disease (aka periodontitis) can also destroy your jawbone and lead to tooth loss.

Why Brushing for 2 Minutes Matters

As a compassionate Boulder, Colorado dentist, we get that our patients lead busy, multitasking lives — which begs the question, “Is it really necessary to brush my teeth for two minutes?” And “If yes, then why?”

A scientific study in The Journal of Dental Hygiene actually prompted the recommendation. Research shows that the average person brushes their teeth for only 45 seconds. By comparison, study participants who brushed their teeth for 2 minutes instead of 45 seconds removed 26% more plaque.

Sure, the tendency to swipe, swish, and spit for 45 seconds seems more reasonable when you’re running late and trying to hurry out the door. But 45 seconds isn’t long enough to effectively fight plaque and tooth decay.

You can try some of these suggestions to help ensure you brush for 2 minutes:

• Set a timer for 2 minutes on your phone, tablet, smartwatch, or wristwatch.

• Play a 2-minute song to brush along with.

• Use an electric toothbrush with a built-in 2-minute timer.

• Divide your mouth into four sections (upper and lower on each side of your mouth) and spend 30 seconds brushing in each.

• Brush the surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion.

• Also, brush your tongue.

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More oral hygiene tips include:

• Wait an hour to brush your teeth after having acidic food and drinks like citrus foods and drinks, sugar-laden soda, sports drinks, or candy.

• Drink lots of water.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with angled or layered bristles to reach tight nooks and crannies.

• Don’t brush too hard.

• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months (or sooner if the bristles wear down or break).

• Floss every day.

• Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.

The Benefits of Visiting the Dentist 2 Times a Year

If you’re already brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time and flossing once a day, you’re on the right track.

Visiting the dentist twice a year for routine dental cleanings and exams is also an essential part of maintaining good oral health.

No matter how well you brush, some tartar will inevitably build up that a dental hygienist must remove with special instruments.

At each bi-annual visit, Dr. Krista and the Sanitas team will collect a health history, update your medication list, confirm your contact information, and review the office privacy policy. You’ll also report any problems or concerns with your teeth or gums since your last visit.

Making twice-yearly dental visits offers multiple benefits, such as:

• Learning how to improve dental hygiene and maintain good oral hygiene

• Receiving exemplary preventative dental care to help stave off future dental issues

• Catching tooth decay before an infection starts

• Spotting and treating infections early

• Identifying bite or alignment issues

• Detecting signs of grinding and offering solutions

• Identifying cracks or other structural teeth issues

• Detecting early signs of gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis

• Promoting healthier gums

• Eliminating bad breath

• Boosting self-esteem with a brighter smile

Universal Principles with Individual Results

The concepts of the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry offer universal principles that everyone can apply to their oral hygiene routine. Because every mouth, every set of teeth, every smile, and every person is unique, the 2-2-2 rule will deliver individual results for each person.

The caring Sanitas team tailors every dental treatment plan to meet each patient’s individual needs in correlation with their overall systemic health.

In addition to regular and deep dental cleaning using the latest dental technologies, some of the services Sanitas provides include:

• Myofunctional Therapy

• Sleep Apnea and Functional Dentistry

• Dental Implants

• TMJ/TMD Treatment

• Tongue Tie Release

Follow the 2-2-2 Rule in Dentistry with a Team You Can Trust

Following the three simple steps of the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry can transform your oral health, protect your smile, and help prevent tooth decay and larger dental issues.

If you’re looking for a Boulder, Colorado dentist or a Superior Colorado dentist, we realize you have lots of options. At the end of the day, we know you want to work with a team you can trust.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we proudly use a comprehensive approach to treat the whole person with compassionate care and expert knowledge. We believe in full transparency with the services we provide to maximize your comfort and help alleviate your concerns about going to the dentist.

We know many people are anxious to go to a dental appointment, and we hope we can make a positive difference and ease those kinds of worries.

Implementing the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry can help people stay out of the office between hygiene appointments because they don’t need extra dental work due to good oral hygiene habits. It really can’t get much better than that.

Serving Members of Our Vibrant Community Makes Us Smile

Dr. Krista and her Sanitas staff aim to build long-lasting relationships with patients while treating your teeth as an integral part of your overall health.

As a Boulder-based family dentist, we can’t help but grin that our business revolves around smiles. We understand firsthand that smiles are powerful, contagious, and can turn someone’s day around for the better in a split second.

We love serving members of the vibrant community surrounding our practice. Whether you’re seeking a family dentist in Superior, Colorado or a Boulder, Colorado dentist with expertise in oral health and a warm, personal approach, we’re confident we can serve you and your family with a smile.

If you’d like to improve your oral hygiene and want to start following the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry, feel free to contact Sanitas Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment at our Boulder office today.

TMJ Treatment and Symptoms: What You Need to Know

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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) controls vital jaw movements, such as chewing, swallowing, and talking. If you’re experiencing headaches, jaw pain, and popping or clicking noises when you open your jaw, you may have a TMD — temporomandibular disorder — and might require TMJ treatment for the TMD.

Living with TMJ symptoms that occur with TMJ disorders is unpleasant for many people, especially if your jaw hurts or locks up when you open your mouth wide. Our knowledgeable staff at Sanitas Family Dentistry are experts in diagnosing and treating TMD to minimize your discomfort and maximize your jaw’s functionality.

This guide explains TMJ, TMJ/TMD symptoms, risk factors, TMJ treatment options, and more.

What Is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) rest just below each ear on either side of your face and connect your jaw to your skull.

These sliding and rotating joints consist of the mandible (lower jaw) and the temporal bone (at the base and side of your skull). They are separated by an articular disc that cushions the space between the bones and keeps them from touching.

These joints work together with muscles and ligaments to enable the mandible to move in multiple directions, such as forward and back, up and down, and side to side.

When you consider the joints that get a workout in your body, you might think about your shoulders and knees. Because your TMJ joints control essential functions like speaking, chewing, and swallowing, they move thousands of times each day. If you consider how many times you chew a single bite of food, this makes sense.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders (TMDs) impact the function of your temporomandibular joints and their surrounding muscles. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that around 11-12 million adults in the U.S. had pain in their temporomandibular joint region, and twice as many women as men suffered from TMDs.

Some popping and clicking noises are normal when you move your jaw. But you shouldn’t feel pain. If you do, this may indicate you have a TMD.

TMDs can sometimes cause TMJs to slide out of the socket when you open your mouth wide, and this can make your jaw hurt.

There are over 30 TMDs that cause joint dysfunction that disrupts jaw movement and pain. The three classes of TMDs are:

• Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders

• Disorders of the masticatory muscles you use for chewing

• TMD-related headaches

Some TMDs don’t last long and eventually resolve on their own. Others become chronic and require professional TMJ treatment.

TMD Symptoms and Causes

TMD symptoms vary in type and intensity for each person. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth

• Clicking and/or popping sounds in your jaw

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Jaw stiffness, locking, and dislocation

• Frequent headaches or migraines

• Facial pain or swelling

• Ear pain

• Ear ringing, dizziness, or hearing loss

Injury or trauma to the temporomandibular joints can cause TMDs. Other causes remain unclear, and many people experience TMJ/TMD symptoms without an explanation. Some research suggests that a combination of genetics, psychological and life stressors, and a person’s perception of pain can trigger a TMD and determine its longevity.

Other TMD causes include:

• Teeth grinding and clenching (aka bruxism)

• Arthritis of the jaw

• Stress-induced jaw tension

• A misaligned bite

TMJ Risk Factors

While exact TMJ/TMD causes are difficult to pinpoint, TMJ disorder risk factors include:

• Clenching and grinding teeth

• Stomach sleeping

• Taking large bites of food

• Using your teeth like a tool – to open or tear things

• Chewing on pencils, pens, or fingernails

• Poor posture

Avoiding or combating these behaviors by reducing stress, practicing good posture, and wearing a mouthguard during sports or to prevent teeth grinding can help lower your TMD risk.

TMJ/TMD Diagnosis

As TMJ/TMD experts, Dr. Krista and her Sanitas Family Dentistry staff will perform a thorough exam and any necessary testing to diagnose TMJ disorders and develop a treatment plan.

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At a diagnostic appointment, you can expect the dentist or staff to:

• Collect a complete medical history, including asking about your symptoms.

• Do a complete physical examination of your mouth and jaw, including watching you open and close your mouth to assess the range of motion.

• Look for swelling and tenderness in your face, neck, and jaw.

• Listen for any clicking and popping sounds.

• Check your bite alignment.

They might also take X-rays or order a CT scan or MRI to examine your entire jaw structure, including your teeth, jaw, bones associated with the joint, and surrounding tissue. They will also look for and identify issues with your TMJ’s articular disc.

Gathering as much information as possible can help Dr. Krista provide a detailed diagnosis and determine the best solution for your symptoms of TMJ and treatment.

Noninvasive TMJ Treatment Options

Whether you are just starting to notice TMD symptoms or are struggling with long-term jaw discomfort and dysfunction, you may wonder, “What is the treatment for TMJ?”

Our goal at Sanitas Family Dentistry is to stabilize your temporomandibular joint, relieve TMJ pain, and improve jaw function.

TMJ treatment options vary depending on the severity of your condition, and many patients start with noninvasive options. Let’s break them down.

Medication to Manage TMJ/TMD Pain

Dr. Krista may suggest trying medication to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and ease muscle tension.

These can include Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Aleve®) or ibuprofen (Advil®). Muscle relaxers may reduce clenching and grinding, and she may suggest antidepressants for managing chronic pain.

Custom Mouthguard or Splint

As one of the newest treatments for TMJ disorders, wearing a custom mouthguard or splint helps alleviate jaw stress, improve jaw alignment, and reduce or relieve clenching and grinding.

These appliances are custom-designed according to your individual bite, muscle tension, and jaw alignment. They not only reduce jaw strain but also help hold your jaw in a more natural position while you sleep or during daily activities.

Bite Correction

Your jaw is essential for chewing, and problems with your bite can aggravate TMJ concerns. Correcting bite issues that may contribute to TMD symptoms with dental adjustments or restorations can help.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Stress can take a toll on many parts of your body, including your temporomandibular joint. Our staff can recommend stress management techniques and jaw exercises to help reduce strain on your TMJs.

Physical Therapy

Doing physical therapy, including TMJ pain treatment exercises to stretch, strengthen, and relax your jaw muscles, can help reduce tension and improve jaw function.

Other treatments may include ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (aka TENS). Applying moist heat and stretching repeatedly throughout the day might also provide TMJ pain relief.

Seeing a Counselor

Struggling and trying to cope with anxiety and stress causes many people to bite their fingernails and/or clench and grind their teeth. As previously mentioned, these behaviors can cause TMJ disorders.

Seeing a licensed professional counselor to discuss and learn how to manage these behaviors can not only improve your mental health but also help alleviate stressors that contribute to TMJ disorders.

Surgical TMJ Treatment Options

If noninvasive TMJ treatment options don’t relieve your jaw pain and other uncomfortable TMD symptoms, Dr. Krista might suggest surgical TMJ treatment options.

They include:

• Arthrocentesis – This minimally invasive procedure is also called joint aspiration. You may be given a local anesthesia or light sedation for this minor surgery, in which an oral surgeon inserts two needles into your TMJ to allow fluid to flow through the joint and flush inflammatory agents and debris.

• TMJ Arthroscopy – Arthroscopic surgery can treat various TMJ disorders. During this procedure, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) inserts a small video camera (called an arthroscope) into your TMJ to examine the joint and make any necessary repairs, such as removing scar tissue, repairing damaged tissue, and realigning the articular disc. This procedure typically requires general anesthesia.

• Open-Joint Surgery – This type of surgery is the most invasive of the surgical options and is usually reserved for more complex TMJ issues and disorders. It is also known as arthroplasty. The surgeon makes an incision to access the joint and repair or replace it, or sometimes replace a degenerated disc.

If you require surgery to address your TMJ/TMD issues, Dr. Krista carefully selects exceptional surgeons who can help resolve your concerns.

The Experts at Sanitas Family Dentistry Want to Help

Dr. Krista and the Sanitas Family Dentistry staff always prioritize your dental health and well-being with a holistic approach and complete transparency about any services we recommend or provide.

As experts, our knowledgeable and caring dental team understands how TMJ issues cause challenges with essential daily functions like chewing, swallowing, and talking. We are also happy to discuss the latest TMD treatments.

You don’t have to keep suffering from jaw pain, locking, and other discomforts that occur with TMJ disorders and negatively impact your quality of life.

Contact us today at our Boulder office to schedule an appointment to diagnose your TMJ disorder and discuss available TMJ treatment options.

Are Dental Implants Painful? What You Need to Know

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Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Before undergoing surgery, it’s common and reasonable for patients to ask, “Are dental implants painful?”

The short answer is that local anesthesia during the dental implant procedure helps you feel more comfortable. While you might experience some post-surgical discomfort, you can typically manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your dentist's tips.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we understand patients might be anxious about dental implant surgery, especially if you’ve never had it or you're afraid it’s painful. To provide clarity, let’s explore dental implants and dental implant surgery in greater detail and discuss any pain involved in the process.

What Are Dental Implants and What is Their Purpose?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other biocompatible materials, such as ceramic.

The purpose of a dental implant is to fill the gap left by a missing tooth (or teeth) and provide support for the new, custom-fabricated artificial tooth, bridge, or denture that fits on the implant base.

During oral surgery, one of our exemplary surgical partners places the small, threadlike posts into your jawbone.

Your resulting replacement teeth will look and function like your natural teeth.

Common Reasons for Missing Teeth

Natural teeth are incredibly durable, and the enamel that protects them is the hardest substance in your body. That said, people can experience tooth loss for many reasons, including:

• Anodontia – A congenital condition in which teeth never develop

• Cavities – Tooth decay that causes holes in your teeth

• Gum disease

• Cracked or injured teeth

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Getting regular dental cleanings and exams (usually every 6 months) and addressing dental concerns as soon as they arise helps promote good oral health. It also allows dental professionals to identify conditions that may require treatment and offer recommendations to restore your smile and improve your quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Missing teeth can make it hard to chew and speak. They can also negatively affect your oral health and take a toll on your self-esteem. Millions of people get dental implants each year across the United States.

Dental implants offer multiple benefits, including:

• They are long-lasting: With proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits, implants can last a lifetime.

• They make it easier to chew: Implants fill gaps left by missing teeth. So, it’s easier to chew.

• They improve speaking: Missing teeth can make it difficult to talk. Implants can help you communicate more clearly.

• They help prevent bone loss: When the implant fuses to your jawbone, this bond enables stimulation from chewing and talking to help regenerate and preserve bone tissue.

• They increase comfort and stability: Removable dentures can slip around and may require adjustments to fit properly. Dental implants are fixed in place, which makes them more stable and comfortable.

• They help preserve healthy teeth: Dentures or bridges may require adjusting or removing healthy adjacent teeth. Implants don’t impact adjacent teeth; they help preserve them.

• They restore your smile: Implants look and feel like your natural teeth, which helps restore your smile.

• They boost your self-esteem: Being able to chew, talk, and smile positively impacts your self-esteem.

Parts of a Dental Implant

A dental implant has three parts:

• Threaded post – The artificial titanium root that the oral surgeon places in your jawbone

• Abutment – A small connecting post that screws into the threaded post that provides a foundation for the new artificial tooth

• Restoration – The prosthetic that replaces the missing tooth and is visible in your smile, such as a crown, bridge, or denture

An oral surgeon and Dr. Krista will place these pieces separately, over a course of weeks or months, in separate procedures.

Why Patients Choose Dental Implants

Some patients opt to have dental implant surgery because their dental bridges or dentures don’t fit properly. Titanium implants fuse to your jawbone. So, they won’t slip or make noise like ill-fitting dentures.

A dental implant procedure is also a surgical option if you don’t have enough natural tooth roots to support bridgework or dentures. Other considerations that may indicate implants are a viable choice for you include:

• You have one or more missing teeth.

• Your jawbone has fully grown.

• You have sufficient bone density to support implants, or you’re a bone graft candidate.

• The tissues in your mouth are healthy.

• You don’t have any health conditions that adversely affect bone healing.

• You don’t smoke or use tobacco.

• You want or need an alternative to dentures.

• You want to improve your speech.

• You’re able and willing to dedicate several months to the process.

Because every patient has a unique health history, Dr. Krista can discuss whether you are a candidate for dental implants during your initial consultation.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Surgery?

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Dental implant surgery involves multiple stages that may take weeks or months to complete, to allow for healing between phases. As with any type of surgery, understanding the process can help ease your anxiety. Here are the steps you can expect in an implant procedure:

1. Consultation – In your first visit, we will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment goals. If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or too soft to support an implant, Dr. Krista can discuss the possibility and options for getting a bone graft ahead of dental implant surgery to create a solid, stable base for the implant.

2. Implant placement – Dr. Krista hand-selects exceptional implant placement experts. They will place the titanium implant into your jawbone in a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes a small incision in your gums to expose bone. Then, they drill a small hole in your jawbone and widen the opening, so it securely holds the implant post. After the surgeon places the post, they will close the incision with stitches. You will receive local anesthesia or sedation, if necessary, to keep you comfortable during this entire process.

3. Osseointegration and healing – During this phase, the bone heals around the implant, in a process called osseointegration. Healing usually takes several months to ensure the implant bonds securely with your bone.

4. Abutment and restoration placement – Once the implant fully integrates, Dr. Krista places a small connector, called an abutment, on the implant. Then she fabricates a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that is placed and completes your restoration.

If your implant is near the front of your mouth, your dentist will make a temporary tooth for you to wear as you heal. If your implant is in the back of your mouth, you probably won’t need a temporary tooth. Your dentist will advise you about your particular needs before the procedure.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

While understanding the process can help decrease your anxiety, you might still wonder, “How painful are dental implants?” or “Are full mouth dental implants painful?”

During the surgery, your surgeon will numb your gums with local anesthesia and/or give you a sedative if you prefer.

The anesthesia limits pain and discomfort during the implant placement. You may feel some pressure or vibration during the procedure that patients typically tolerate well.

Be assured your comfort is of utmost importance during the procedure, and your oral surgeon and team members will do everything possible to minimize your discomfort.

Managing Pain After Dental Implant Surgery

To fully address whether dental implants are painful, you should know it is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort once the anesthesia wears off after your implant placement procedure.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should alleviate your discomfort, which might be similar to what you might feel after you’ve had a tooth extraction.

You might also experience bruising or swelling around the implant area, which is normal.

Tips to Reduce Post-Surgical Pain and Swelling

Your dentist will provide post-surgical care instructions to help you manage your symptoms after your procedure. You should follow these and also address any questions or concerns as they arise. You should also be sure to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments.

You can also follow these general tips to reduce your post-surgical pain and swelling:

• To decrease swelling, apply ice packs to the outside of your face near the affected area.

• Eat soft foods like yogurt and smoothies for the initial few days after your surgery. Don’t eat anything hot, spicy, or hard that might aggravate the surgical site.

• Avoid strenuous activities for a few days after your procedure.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers according to their dosing instructions.

• Take any prescription pain relievers as your oral surgeon recommends.

• Rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution. Don’t brush the surgical site for several days after the procedure.

How Long Does It Take Dental Implants to Heal?

It takes about one week after the procedure for initial healing. The overall healing phase, to complete osseointegration so that your jawbone is fused around the implant varies and can take anywhere from three to nine months.

You will have regular progress checks with your provider every few weeks.

When Should You Contact the Dentist?

Complications are rare for dental implant surgery, and Dr. Krista will cover any risks and gladly answer any questions you have before your procedure.

In general, if you have had implant surgery or already have implants, call the dentist if you notice:

• Loose implants

• Pus, infection, or swelling around your implant

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, along with another symptom above

Contact Sanitas Family Dentistry to Discuss Dental Implant Options

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and well-being in every procedure. Dr. Krista has extensive experience helping many patients enjoy the benefits that dental implants offer.

Our team will gladly address any questions you may have about whether dental implants are painful to ease your concerns and discuss treatment options that can help resolve your individual dental issues and restore your smile.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation in our Boulder office.