With the pandemic and winter storm, many of us are under high levels of strain. The results could be jaw pain and headaches caused by issues like bruxism, which we discussed in last week’s blog, as well as TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist will take a close look at treating TMD.
The Causes of Jaw Pain
TMJ disorder means that the joints connecting your and skull, the temporomandibular joints, have undergone excess amounts of stress and strain. The causes of the strain vary, but often include untreated teeth grinding, tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, issues with the growth of your oral structures and smile, stress, misalignment, and bite imbalance. When we examine your smile with digital scanning technology, we will be able to pin point the cause and assess the severity, which aids in prescribing the most appropriate treatment option.
The Dangers of TMJ Disorder
People with TMJ disorder often experience headaches, migraines, or aches in the jaw or face. Pain in the neck and shoulders is common, as is a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw. Unless treated, the disorder could mean trouble fully opening and closing your mouth, complicating how you eat and speak. If your TMD led to bruxism, then the damage could mean pain in your teeth, as well as cavities, infection, or even tooth loss. If you begin to experience one or more of these potential symptoms, then please see our team right away to discuss possible treatment options. Don’t let your oral health suffer, and don’t let this common disorder impact your overall quality of life!
Our TMJ Treatments
Often, we create an oral appliance to bring relief and prevent worsening symptoms. We begin by taking detailed digital images of your smile, which we combine to create a 3D model. In a dental lab, the images we make we be able to help us design and craft the device, custom-fitting it to your smile. While it looks and fits much like a simple mouthguard, the splint actually helps reposition the jaw to relieve strain and prevent worsening symptoms. You then enjoy relief and avoid complications! If you also grind your teeth, these helps prevent further damage by acting as a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. If you have any questions, then let us know today!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TMJ DYSFUNCTION?
Don’t let an issue like TMD cause daily discomfort, instead seek a possible solution. To learn more about our solutions for jaw joint strain, then 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.
