Does your jaw tend to pop or click? What may seem like a minor issue could actually indicate the presence of TMJ disorder, a serious jaw joint disorder that could eventually impact your ability to open and close your mouth. Let’s find out how we treat TMJ in Garland, TX and when patients should schedule a visit.
TMJ Disorder
What is TMJ disorder? Well, our temporomandibular joints connect our jaws to the skull. We need these joints to be able to eat and speak. However, when these joints undergo excessive strain, then people experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms and may eventually have trouble opening and closing their mouth completely. The causes of strain vary, but often include tooth loss, misalignment, malocclusion, bruxism (teeth grinding), or injury to the face or jaw.
Popping Jaws and Headaches
As the issue grows more severe, people will begin to experience a number of symptoms. For some, this includes a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw. Others may suffer from headaches, soreness in the face or jaw, aches in the neck or shoulders, or toothaches (particularly if they grind their teeth or clench their jaw). If you experience one or more of these common warning signs, then please contact our office. We will perform a detailed examination, looking at the wear and friction on your teeth and looking at your jaw and oral structures for signs of tension. From there, we will find out if you need treatment, and what kind of solution will best fit your smile.
Custom-Made Solutions
Treatment for TMD varies. For example, we suggest orthodontics to correct misalignment and relieve pressure on the joints. We may also place (or replace) a restoration, such as a dental crown. However, in most cases we will prescribe a custom-made oral appliance. The device will be worn at night and will fit much like a mouthguard. However, the device is actually designed to reposition the jaw, easing pressure and addressing the causes of your TMD. If you grind your teeth, the same device will place a barrier between your upper and lower sets of teeth, safeguarding your smile from further damage. The oral appliance offers a comfortable and minimally invasive solution, as each on will be custom made for your smile. If you have any questions about identifying or treating TMJ disorder, or if you think your smile could benefit from treatment, then please contact our team today.
Do You Need TMD Treatment?
Do you want to learn more about TMJ disorder and possible treatment options? For more information on our preventive and restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
