In our last blog, we addressed how we diagnose and treat bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. In today’s blog, we would like to dress another related disorder known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist talks about how address TMD dysfunction and bring relief to your smile.
The Factors Behind TMD
TMJ disorder means that the joints connecting your jaw and skull have become strained. This stress could lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms, and could also later how fully you can open and close your mouth. The disorder could be brought on by factors like tooth loss, misalignment, untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), high levels of stress, and an injury to the face or jaw. Complications with the growth and development of the jaw could also be a factor. As part of your treatment, our team will carefully examine the smile with advanced digital imaging, so we can pinpoint the factors behind your TMD and prescribe the most appropriate treatment option.
Common Warning Signs and Possible Dangers
People with the disorder may notice a popping or clicking sensation in their jaw, as well as pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. Painful headaches and migraines could develop as well, and if you grind your teeth, toothaches and tooth sensitivity. If you encounter common symptoms like these, then please let us know right away. We want to help you avoid worsening pain, damaged teeth, and other complications with the health, function, and even the appearance of your smile.
Custom Treatment Options
For some, we could restore balance by replacing missing teeth with bridges or dental implants. For others, we could restore balance with dental bonding and contouring, or even a custom-made and lifelike dental crown. Orthodontics could help address malocclusion too. But for most of our patients we will create an oral appliance that is worn as you sleep. The device is crafted based on a series of detailed digital images we take of your smile.
The completed appliance will look and fit like a simple nightguard, and is worn daily as you rest. The device then moves the jaw to ease strain and pressure, and also put a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to avoid teeth grinding damage. The device will be simple to use, clean, and store.
Do You Have Questions About Jaw Joint Pain?
We would like to help people avoid worsening discomfort and damaged teeth. To learn more about how we restore the balance and health of your smile, then please schedule a consultation today by contacting Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX at (972)-530-0552. You can also find our practice at 6850 N Shiloh Rd, Suite C Garland, TX 75044.
