Your dental health encompasses more than taking care of your teeth and gums. Your jaw is an important part, too. If you frequently experience pain in this area, headaches, or a clicking sound around your facial joints, it could be a sign of TMJ. This dysfunction can be diagnosed and treated at your Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, with the help of our advanced technology.

TMJ Can Cause Discomfort

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a condition in which your jaw joints do not sit together properly. This may be caused by having an overbite or underbite, injuries, genetics, and other factors. While this is not a life-threatening issue, it can cause serious discomfort and may affect your dental health. You may be able to recognize signs of this condition if the area is sensitive or you get headaches often. It is important to bring these side effects up to your dentist so that they can help diagnose the issue. They can combine the signs you have experienced with visible signs such as your bite alignment, range of motion, and X-ray images.

A Non-Surgical Solution

In many cases, this disorder can be treated without surgery. After diagnosing you with the problem, your dentist can create an effective treatment plan for your personal needs. An oral appliance may be used to help ease tension and set your jaw in the correct position. This is worn when you sleep and will protect your jaw from exerting too much pressure. Your dentist will take an impression of your smile to create a custom appliance. You may wake up in the morning with fewer symptoms over time. Oral appliances may also be recommended to treat other concerns like snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and bruxism. Other patients may also find relief from these symptoms after straightening their teeth with braces or Invisalign.

Restoring Your Smile After TMJ

It is important to treat this dysfunction as soon as possible. If it is ignored, your symptoms may worsen and can cause serious problems. For instance, bruxism is commonly associated with these jaw problems. Over time, constantly grinding your teeth can cause them to become worn down. This may make them more susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and more. Once your TMD concerns are addressed with treatment, restorations can be planned to help revive your smile. If you have severely worn your teeth, crowns may be used to protect them and prevent the need for removing them. If you have several concerns that need to be addressed at once, your dentist may suggest a full-mouth rehabilitation plan. This plan can include restorations and cosmetic treatments.

Schedule An Appointment Today

You can begin treatment by scheduling an appointment with Grinnell Dental in Sheridan, WY, today at 307-672-7567.