Understanding The Disorder
What Causes TMD/TMJ?
TMD can be caused by a wide range of issues:
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Trauma from an injury
- Overuse or inflammation of TMJ
- Various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Recognizing The Signs
Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD
The most common symptoms are:
- Pain and tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, and ear
- Difficulty in opening mouth
- Popping or clicking sounds when jaw moves
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Right Choice Dental Care for diagnosis and treatment.
TMJ/TMD And Your Daily Life
The Effects of TMJ/TMD
TMJ/TMD can make it difficult for you to chew, eat, and speak properly. Your temporomandibular joint is used for many daily activities, so the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ/TMD can dramatically disrupt your day-to-day life. If you have TMJ/TMD, you don’t need to suffer through your day. With proper treatment, we can provide relief from pain and discomfort and help get your life back to normal.
Your Treatment Options
Nightguards & TMJ Appliances
With proper treatment by our dentists you can get relieved of all the pain and discomfort. Our dentist will get a custom-made night guard for you or advise you on other TMJ appliances. These retainer-like devices are worn when you are asleep at night. They shift the jaw into a more natural, relaxed position to promote proper healing of the joint. Nightguards also help prevent clenching and grinding, which is a major cause of TMJ/TMD. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended along with a nightguard or TMJ appliance. If this is not enough to resolve your issue, other alternatives like anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or cortisol injections may be suggested to help relieve your symptoms.
