Jaw Pain Is Not Something You Have to Live With
If jaw discomfort has become part of your daily routine, you may have started to think of it as normal. However, ongoing jaw pain should not be ignored. It can be a sign of TMD, a condition that can affect one or both of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull and help you chew, speak, and open your mouth. When the joint or surrounding tissues become irritated, strained, or misaligned, inflammation can develop and lead to pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ears
- Pain or sensitivity in the face or jaw
- Soreness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Jaw clicking, popping, or grinding
- Trouble chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth comfortably
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
Diagnosing TMD starts with a thorough clinical examination of your face, jaw, bite, teeth, and jaw joints. During your visit, we will look for areas of discomfort or tenderness and listen for clicking, popping, or other unusual sounds as you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is identified, a custom bite splint or night guard may be recommended as an initial treatment option.
Treatment and Relief
Treatment for TMD may include a custom-made bite splint, which is a comfortable plastic appliance designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These appliances can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding and clenching, which may contribute to or worsen jaw discomfort. A splint can also help position the jaw more comfortably and reduce strain on the surrounding muscles and joints.
Alternative Treatment Options
If an uneven bite or missing teeth are contributing to your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or restorative dental care. When certain teeth place excessive pressure on the TMJs, carefully reshaping specific teeth may also help distribute biting forces more evenly and reduce stress on the jaw joints.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
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