Smile Rehabilitation From Effects of Bruxing and Sleep Apnea

Reena Patel, DDS, of Chichetti and Patel Dental Wellness in Charlotte, NC recently saw a 58-year-old male patient who presented for a new patient exam with a chief complaint of pain in the upper right. The patient had a history of crowns completed on most of his back teeth due to wear from grinding and root canals.

Dr. Patel completed a comprehensive examination on him with a full-mouth series, including intraoral and extraoral photos and an intraoral scan. His exam revealed fractures and erosion on the front teeth as well as a fractured root with infection on the upper right. The patient reported snoring, reflux, and waking up throughout the night. He had never had a sleep study and no history of wearing an occlusal guard.

After a discussion with the patient about her findings, Dr. Patel determined the patient exhibited signs of sleep apnea or sleep-disturbed breathing. A referral was made to a local sleep physician to complete a sleep study and obtain a diagnosis.

Regarding the pain he was having on the upper right, he was diagnosed with a fractured root there as well as inadequate root canal therapy on another tooth. A referral was made to an endodontist and surgeon where the fractured tooth was removed and the inadequate obturation was retreated with root-canal therapy.

Read More