Does your jaw make clicking or popping sounds? Perhaps you have difficulty eating or suffer with frequent headaches. These are common symptoms of TMJ disorder, which can produce debilitating pain. Our dentist provides TMJ disorder treatment to help patients improve their quality of life and oral function.
TMJ disorder treatment can encompass placing dental restorations, nightguard therapy, and stress reduction exercises. Following is helpful information on your options.
Dental Restorations
TMJ disorder can be triggered by an improper occlusion. When our teeth become worn down or if there are developmental abnormalities, it can affect the way our teeth line up during oral function. If teeth do not line up properly, it can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the ligaments and muscles that support it. Strain on these tissues produces unpleasant symptoms like facial pain, headaches, and discomfort when eating or speaking.
Rebuilding a bite with dental restorations help relieve excessive strain on the TMJ. The most common restorations used for this purpose are dental crowns, which cover all surfaces of a tooth above the gums. Crowns, when made from porcelain, produce a beautiful aesthetic that can enhance your smile, too.
Nightguard Therapy
Many people develop TMJ disorder because they grind and clench their teeth. Habitual grinding and clenching (bruxism) strains the TMJ and its supportive tissues. Most of the time, bruxism occurs at night during sleep. Wearing a custom nightguard prevents bruxism, which improves the symptoms of TMJ disorder over time. Nightguards are not obstructive or uncomfortable. This treatment option is an effective alternative to more invasive treatment methods and helps prevent untimely tooth wear.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Reducing stress can greatly improve the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Our dentist might recommend a number of techniques and activities suited to your lifestyle. Managing stress can have long-term positive effects on your mental and physical health, too.
If you are suffering with TMJ disorder, contact DeSanti & Linden Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Our practice will develop a TMJ disorder treatment plan to suit your unique needs. Give us a call today to reserve an appointment.
