TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD, could develop when the joints connecting your jaw and skull become strained. Without treatment, this could lead to major discomfort and even related complications. In today’s blog, your Sheridan, WY, dentist talks about TMJ treatment.
The Causes and Warning Signs of TMD
TMJ disorder develops when the jaw joints undergo excessive strain, which could be caused by tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, misalignment, teeth grinding, or complications with the growth and development of your smile. People with the disorder may experience a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw, headaches, migraines, jaw and facial pain, and even aches in the neck and shoulders. If you grind your teeth, this could mean tooth sensitivity and toothaches as well, as your damaged teeth become decayed or infected. When you experience these possible TMD-related symptoms, let us know right away!
What Happens Without Treatment
Without treatment, the disorder could strain your bite balance and jaw joints, leading to the discomfort we listed above, as well as issue fully opening and closing your mouth. Which is why we want to offer treatment, and protect your smile from major discomfort and poor oral health. To get started, we will talk to you about your symptoms and also conduct a detailed examination, gathering digital images of your smile to identify the cause and extent of your disorders. For some, we could offer relief from TMJ disorder with tooth replacement, such as a bridge or dental implant. We could also boost bite balance with bonding/contouring or a custom-made dental crown. Orthodontics to correct misalignment could bring relief too. As part of your daily routine, avoid hard or chewy foods, and use a warm washcloth to ease tension in your smile.
Creating an Oral Appliance
Often, we bring relief to our patients with a comfortable and noninvasive option. An oral appliance will look similar to a mouthguard, and is worn as you sleep at night. The device is custom-made based on detailed images we take of your smile, and is fitted for your smile. When worn, this shifts the jaw to ease tension and prevent symptoms, so you can eat and speak with comfort and ease. If you grind your teeth, this puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets to help prevent further damage.
If you have any questions about treating TMD, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Sheridan, WY Dentist About Treating TMD
Our team wants to help address the factors behind your strained jaw joint and bite imbalance. To find out how our team can treat TMD-related dysfunction, then reach out to Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567.
