When you develop TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, the strain on your joints could cause major discomfort. To avoid this pain and enjoy relief, you need to recognize the symptoms and also understand the causes. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist explains how we diagnose and then treat common oral health issues like TMJ disorder
Headaches and TMJ Disorder
Did you know that a chronic headache or migraine could be linked to strain in your jaw joints? TMJ disorder means the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw and skull, have undergone excessive strain and stress. Over time, a disorder forms that leads to persistent pain in and around your jaw, and that could cause trouble fully opening and closing your mouth. Along with headaches, you could experience popping or clicking in the jaw, jaw pain, facial aches, and more. Causes vary, but could include issues that impact bite balance and jaw joint pressure, such as tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, and misalignment.
Is There a Link to Teeth Grinding?
Without treatment, this disorder could increase the risk of bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding. In addition, untreated bruxism could in turn cause TMJ-related discomfort. Bruxism eventually damaged teeth by wearing down structure and cracking and chipping the enamel, so you not only experience discomfort, but an increased risk of tooth decay and rental infection too.
Providing Relief with an Oral Appliance
To provide relief, we could suggest muscle exercises to ease strain, a warm compress to alleviate pressure, or orthodontics to correct misalignment. The placement of one or more crowns could also help by preventing overall bite balance. But the most common solution is an oral appliance. The device looks and fits like a simple mouthguard, and is worn while you sleep. We custom-fit the device based on detailed digital image’s we take of your smile. The appliance repositions the jaw to ease strain on the joints. If you grind your teeth, this also provides a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further chips or cracks. If you have damages teeth, we may be able to repair them in one visit with dental bonding. If you have any questions about treating TMD, then give us a call!
Do You Have Questions About Treating TMD?
We want to help you enjoy a comfortable smile and avoid complications and painful symptoms. To schedule an appointment and to learn about treating the causes of your jaw joint strain, then please call Woodland Hills Dental Arts today at 818-347-5124. You can find us at 6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Suite 322 Woodland Hills, CA 91367. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.