TMJ Temporomandibular joint/temporomandibular disorder (TMJ/TMD) is a common problem that may be attributed to problems within the mouth that can cause issues with the jaw. Contact our experts at Avery Dental Center to find out if we can help if you have pain or discomfort in your jaw.What is TMJ/TMD?Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a disorder that affects the muscles around your jaw. It can be very painful and lead to serious complications such as arthritis if left untreated. There is more than one type of TMD, such as myofascial pain syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint synovitis, among others. You may have been diagnosed with this disorder by an orthodontist if they found out that there were issues regarding how wide your mouth opens. What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the jaw joints when chewing, soreness in the jaws, neck or spine, and headaches. You may also experience muscular tension in the back of the head, shoulders, and neck. What dental treatments are recommended for TMJ?If you're experiencing TMJ disorder or have been diagnosed with it, dental treatments may help to alleviate symptoms such as pain in the jaw and headaches. We will usually take an X-ray to see if there is a misalignment of the jaw and may recommend you visit a specialist. A doctor who specializes in joints or muscles can also diagnose TMJ/TMD by using pressure points on your head, neck, shoulders, and back that are linked with the TM joint. Treatments recommended are dependent on what is the cause of your symptoms. However, some of the dental treatments that may help include: MouthguardsThe most common treatment is a mouth guard that can stop nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism) which can cause stress on the teeth and jaw joints. A night guard will protect your teeth and help to prevent the worsening of the problem. OrthodonticsOrthodontic treatment may alleviate the symptoms of TMJ if underlying dental problems, such as misaligned teeth, have caused you to hold your jaw in a way that has caused stress to the jaw joints. It may also be recommended if you have an overbite or underbite. Orthodontics may include removing some teeth to create more space for the remaining teeth to move into using braces. For some people who have a severe overbite or underbite, orthodontic treatment may be undertaken in conjunction with jaw realignment surgery. Restorative DentistryMissing teeth can contribute to TMJ which is why dentists recommend treatments like dental implants for you. A missing tooth could be the cause of your pain and not necessarily just a symptom, but it's still important that you get treatment from a dentist as soon as possible so they can fix any problems before symptoms worsen. Restorative dentistry treatments work by restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth. The long-term repercussions can affect the alignment of your jaws which can contribute to TMJ problems. Thus, treatment options that may help include dental implants, crowns, and bridges. One of the most important aspects of TMJ/TMJ treatment is to establish the cause of your problems. Speak to one of our experts at Avery Dental Center by calling us on (380) 257-1684 to schedule an appointment. |
