TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD, is an oral health issue that occurs when your jaw joints are strained and stressed. Without treatment, this could impact how you open and close your mouth. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about the importance of diagnosing and treating your TMJ disorder.
The Facts About TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joints are strained. These connect your jaw to the skull and control the movements needed to eat and speak. These joints could be strained by teeth grinding, misalignment, injury to the jaw or face, tooth loss, or problems with the growth and development of your jaw and oral structures. Lack of treatment could mean worsening symptoms, and also problems opening and closing your mouth fully, which leads to negative issues in your daily life.
When to Seek Treatment
Warning signs of TMD vary, but could include a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw, as well as headaches, jaw pain, migraines, facial aches, and pain in the neck and shoulders. If you also grind your teeth too, this could lead to tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, toothaches, and negative to the teeth, such as appearing shorter than usual or even cracking or chipping. When you experience one or more of these potential symptoms, then don’t delay. Let us know so we can conduct an examination and find out the causes and extent of your TMJ dysfunction. Our team can then create a custom treatment plan to bring relief and prevent worsening symptoms and oral health complications.
How We Treat TMD
Treatment options could vary. For some, we could use clear Invisalign® aligners to correct uneven teeth and improve bite balance. We could also alter the balance of your bite with bonding, contouring, or even the placement of custom crowns. Dental implants and the prosthetics could address the lost teeth too. But the most common solution is an oral appliance.
This device will look like a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep at night. The device will be custom-made to fit comfortably and also shift your jaw to ease tension. If you also grind your teeth, this prevents further damage by putting a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. You can also ease strain with a warm washcloth to the side of the face, and also by avoiding hard or chewy foods.
If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT IMPROVING STRAIN
We would love to help you enjoy an even and healthy smile. If you’re ready to schedule a visit and improve bite balance, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.