When most of us think about our oral health, our teeth and gums come to mind first – however, our jaws are just as important! Not only do they help to secure your teeth in place, but they also allow you to eat, speak, and smile your way through life. This is why as soon as an issue arises, like TMJ disorder, treatment is in your best interest. Continue reading to learn a little more about TMJ disorder, what causes it, and how your dentist might be able to help!
What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, sometimes simply called “TMD”, refers to a collection of conditions that negatively impact the temporomandibular joints, which are the two joints responsible for connecting your jawbones to the rest of your skull. These joints act as sliding hinges, helping to grant your mouth a full range of impressive motion.
However, due to their complex nature and heavy responsibility, these joints are unfortunately susceptible to problems that impact their movement and, in turn, cause jaw pain. Likewise, the surrounding muscles and ligaments that assist with this movement can also become affected.
What Causes TMD?
TMD can prove detrimental to your overall quality of life when left unaddressed; however, it can also be hard to determine its exact cause. It can be linked to conditions like bruxism, sleep apnea, or even jaw misalignment. Likewise, it might also be the result of a physical injury to the face. It’s also very difficult to self-diagnose, since jaw pain can often be related to a variety of different factors. However, some of the most common symptoms associated with TMD include:
- Debilitating jaw pain
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty biting or chewing your food
- Popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Ear, neck, or facial pain
- Tooth wear due to bruxism, or grinding
- Sleep issues/sleep apnea
How Is TMD Treated?
In some cases, the pain and discomfort related to TMD only lasts for a limited time; with self-managed care, physical therapy, and certain lifestyle changes, some patients experience noticeable relief.
However, for others, a custom-made oral appliance is usually an effective solution. These devices are very similar to mouthguards, however, the key difference is that rather than protecting your teeth from outside forces, they protect them from each other! They can ensure the jaw retains a proper position while you’re sleeping, meaning that if your TMD is related to bruxism, sleep apnea, or a similar issue, you’ll be able to protect your smile while getting quality rest. In rare cases, surgery can be used as a last resort, but the vast majority of patients see improvement with the help of an oral appliance or other conservative measures.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Sara Saba, Dr. Cyrus Allafi, and Dr. Sheetal Solanki, the team at Exceptional Dentistry has proudly served the needs of patients in Silver Spring and the surrounding area for several years. They offer a wide range of services, including TMJ treatment options for patients living with chronic, bothersome jaw pain! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (301) 769-7993.