If you suffer from TMD, a disorder that affects your jaw, you will likely need treatment to find relief. TMD can lead to discomfort that impacts your daily life. Creekside Dental offers TMJ treatment in Flint, TX, for people suffering from TMD.
Understanding TMD and TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, affects the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. This vital joint acts like a sliding hinge and helps you engage in everyday activities. We use the TMJ every day when we speak, chew food, smile, sing, and more. Proper function of this joint is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
What is TMD?
A malfunction in the TMJ can lead to various issues and develop into TMD. TMD involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles. It often results in discomfort and difficulty moving the jaw.
TMJ Symptoms
People with TMJ problems can have clicking or popping sounds in there jaw. They might find it hard to open their mouth fully. TMD can also cause headaches and ear pain. This disorder can affect one or both sides of the face. The pain can be temporary or last for many years. TMD can also lead to a misaligned bite. It affects both men and women, but women report it more often. The most common TMJ symptoms we see in patients include:
- Jaw Pain or tenderness: This is a primary symptom.
- Aching pain around the ear: This can often be mistaken for an ear infection.
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing: Eating can become a painful task.
- Facial pain: This can spread across the face, affecting daily activities.
- Locking of the joint, making it hard to open or close the mouth: This can cause panic and discomfort.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Several factors contribute to TMD. The following are common causes:
- Jaw injury or trauma: Physical impact can damage the joint.
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): This habit puts pressure on the joint.
- Arthritis in the jaw joint: Inflammation can affect joint function.
- Stress or anxiety: These can lead to muscle tension and clenching.
- Misalignment of teeth or jaw: This can disrupt the joint’s natural movement.
Any of these causes can strain the jaw joint, leading to inflammation and pain. To better treat you, your dentist needs to identify the root cause.
TMJ Treatment in Flint, TX
We can help with your TMJ symptoms using various treatments. Our goal is to help you find relief from pain and improve jaw function. Our treatments include custom mouthguards and various restorative treatments.
TMJ Mouthguard
A mouthguard for TMJ is a dental device that will help alleviate pain, tension, and other TMJ symptoms. We will custom-design the appliance to fit over your teeth to provide cushioning, support, and alignment for your jaw. There are many benefits to wearing one, including the following:
- Prevents teeth grinding
- Improves jaw alignment
- Reduces tension in the jaw
- Protects teeth from damage
A mouthguard to TMD will cover the surfaces of your teeth to protect teeth and reduce teeth grinding, a common TMJ symptom. The guard will also adjust the jaw’s position to relieve pressure and stress on the jaw. You will need to wear it at night for maximum protection.
Invisalign
Misaligned teeth are a common cause of TMJ issues. Invisalign’s custom aligners will gently guide the teeth into proper alignment. This treatment can help align the jaw and reduce strain on the TMJ. To learn more about the Invisalign process, see Invisalign.
Other Treatment Options
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants can help. These medications reduce inflammation and relieve pain but are not long-term solutions.
- Physical Therapy: Certain exercises can strengthen jaw muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
- Stress Management: Reducing stress can decrease symptoms. Techniques like meditation or yoga can help. Managing stress leads to overall health improvement.
- Surgery: If you have a severe case of TMD, you may need surgery. This option is usually a last resort and aims to correct structural issues in the joint.
How to Prevent a TMJ Disorder
Preventive measures can reduce the risk of TMD. You can practice the following strategies:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods because they can strain the jaw joint.
- Practice good posture to reduce stress on the jaw.
- Use relaxation techniques to manage stress and reduce muscle tension.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth to protect your teeth and jaw.
- Attend regular dental check-ups to catch issues early.
Schedule Your Appointment for TMJ Treatment in Flint, TX
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Enloe or Dr. Patel to get relief from your TMJ symptoms. You can contact Creekside Dental by calling 903-225-8031 to book your appointment.