An imbalanced bite can trigger a range of problems as the jaw joints overcompensate in order to achieve a balanced resting position.
TMJ disorder treatment by a dentist can achieve the balance needed to stop inflammation, facial pain, headaches, and other symptoms.
What can TMJ treatment do for you?
Treatment can eradicate symptoms such as pain in and around the joint, clicking when opening and closing your mouth, a locked jaw, and headaches.
By realigning the jaw, your dentist can prevent long-term harm, such as worn teeth, increased vulnerability to tooth decay, and serious joint damage.
In the long run, TMJ treatment can improve your quality of life by relieving persistent and often debilitating symptoms that can compromise your mood and general wellbeing.
In the long run, early TMJ treatment reduces the need for repeated and expensive procedures later in life.
One of the most common causes of TMJ disorder is teeth grinding. Consequently, most treatments target and alleviate this condition.
Discomfort in your jaw can interfere with many daily activities, from speech to eating your favorite crunchy foods.
TMJ disorder can also undermine your bite, as well. Treatment for this underlying condition is often the first step to realigning your smile.
You should contact a doctor if your symptoms do not resolve on their own.
If you have trouble chewing or speaking properly, you probably need treatment.
You need to be in good health to undergo surgery (for more severe cases).
Unlike a toothache, the symptoms of TMJ disorder are often easy to dismiss as stress. In fact, stress is sometimes a major contributing factor. However, because pain and other symptoms are not always persistent, it might be tempting to delay making an appointment even if you think you are experiencing TMJ disorder. However, the longer you wait, the more damage the condition can cause. As with any health issue, the sooner it is addressed, the better.
During the initial consultation, your doctor will evaluate your case by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and examining your bite.
Often, the examination will involve x-rays that will allow your dentist to analyze the way in which your jaws and teeth meet. A cone beam scanner may also be used to analyze the jaw joints.
If your dentist determines that malocclusion or other conditions are placing stress on the jaw joints, they can recommend a number of treatment options. In some cases, it may be necessary to refer you to a specialist.
Custom mouthguards can prevent you from damaging your teeth while grinding during sleep.
Orthodontics can align the jaws and allow the teeth to meet properly.
Prosthodontics such as dental crowns can restore a balanced bite.
Reshaping certain teeth can achieve better balance and relieve tension in the TMJs.
Your doctor may recommend pain relievers or anti-inflammatories to ease discomfort, low doses of antidepressants to control bruxism, or muscle relaxants to reduce spasms.
In serious cases and only as a last resort, surgery can repair the joints.
With a correct diagnosis, treatment can have a life-changing impact…
Untreated TMJ disorder is often uncomfortable at best and debilitating at worst. In many cases, it is also accompanied by a slew of distracting or unpleasant side effects. By realigning your jaw, a doctor can reduce or even eliminate these symptoms. Not only will you ease discomfort in your daily life, but you also won’t have to be overly careful when yawning or eating.
“Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans.”
