When you have pain in your jaw, chronic headaches, or a popping sensation in the jaw joints this could indicate TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Without treatment, this could lead to issues opening and closing your mouth! However, your Sheridan, WY, dentist can offer noninvasive solutions, such as a custom oral appliance.
The Facts About TMD
Our jaw joints are connected to the skull by the temporomandibular joints. This controls the movements needed to eat and speak, so when they undergo excessive strain, this could cause TMJ disorder and impact how you open and close your mouth. Factors behind the disorder often include tooth loss, dental misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, untreated teeth grinding, or issues with the growth and development of the smile. Treating your TMD concerns can return comfort and health to your smile, and prevent you from developing major oral health complications.
When to See Us for Treatment
Warning signs may include toothache and tooth sensitivity, headaches and migraines, jaw and facial pain, and aches in the neck and shoulders. You could also notice a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw. When you develop one or more of these potential symptoms, then see us right away for a diagnosis, so we can assess your risk and choose the most appropriate treatment option. Should any of your teeth become damaged, we could repair them with dental bonding or custom crowns, often in only one visit.
Oral Appliances and More
For some, we could bring relief by replacing missing teeth with a dental prosthetic, such as a bridge or a dental implant. We could also correct misalignment with braces or clear aligners to improve balance and alignment. Dental crowns and bonding/contouring could help improve the balance of the bite too. But the most common solution is an oral appliance.
The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is worn at night. This will be custom-made based on detailed digital images we take of your smile, ensuring a comfortable fit and treatment with precision and accuracy. This shifts your smile to ease pressure and strain, and bring relief. You can also aid in fighting discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever and a warm washcloth to both sides of the face to ease tension.
If you have any questions about how our team diagnoses and treats issues like TMJ disorder, then contact our team today to learn more. You can smile and eat with comfort once again!
Talk To Your Sheridan, WY Dentist About Treating TMD
Our team is ready to help you enjoy optimal oral health and a balanced bite. To find out how we correct jaw joint strain, then reach out to Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567.
