We urge people to see us for a diagnosis if they begin to experience pain in and around their face and jaw, as this could point to the presence of TMJ disorder. Common symptoms include headaches and migraines, soreness in the face, jaw, shoulders, or neck, and a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw. Without treatment, these symptoms could grow worse and people may begin to experience pain and difficulties eating or trying to open and close their mouth. Don’t let this oral health issue impact your quality of life in negative ways, talk to us about possible treatment options.
How does TMD form anyway? The disorder is related to stress placed on the temporomandibular joints, which attach your jaw to your skull and control the movements necessary to eat and speak. These stresses could be the result of anxiety, injury to the face or the jaw, tooth loss, dental misalignment, or poor bite balance. If you grind your teeth, this could cause TMJ disorder, and untreated TMD could lead to teeth grinding, eventually damaging your teeth and increasing the risk of tooth decay and dental infection.
We often treat the disorder with a comfortable oral appliance that will be worn as you sleep. We create the appliance based on measurements and impressions we take of your smile. The appliance will fit like a mouthguard, but actually reposition the jaw to ease pressure and prevent further symptoms. If you happen to grind your teeth as well, the appliance will place a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, which helps prevent further damage. Other possible treatment options include orthodontics, such as braces or clear aligners, or the placement of a restoration, such as a dental crown. If you have any question about diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, or if you recognize any of the symptoms we’ve discussed in today’s blog, then please contact our team today.
Our team would love to help you enjoy a healthy smile, one free of uncomfortable TMJ dysfunction. To learn more about our approach preventive and general dental care, then please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.
When you look at your smile, where do you focus? If you are like most…
This Halloween, do you find yourself looking in the mirror and focusing more on your…
Dental appointments are an essential part of maintaining your health, but a large number of…
If you struggle with your sleep, know that you are certainly not the only one.…
If your little one headed back to school this week, we're sure that your household…
This time of the year can be tough for people with enamel stains. During those…