Disorders of your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) can cause tremendous complications to your teeth and quality of life. In most cases, our Kingwood dental patients notice symptoms of TMJ due to other types of side-effects rather than damage to their smile.
Some of the most common warning signs to look for include:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Tightness, soreness, or tension in the jaw
- Muscle pain through the neck and shoulders
- Popping or clicking noises when you open and close your mouth
- Abnormally worn or chipped teeth
Is a Splint Needed?
One of the most common ways to prevent muscle pain and damage to the TMJ is by wearing a custom fitted splint. This mouthpiece places a slight amount of space between your upper and lower jaw, so that the TMJ cannot fully engage in clenching and grinding (bruxism).
Bite Calibration
If your bite is “off” due to having broken, crooked, or missing teeth…it can strain your jaw joints. As you chew and talk throughout the day, abnormal jaw movements must be made to accommodate an atypical bite. As such, it is sometimes necessary to calibrate the bite through restorative treatments and realignment to ensure a healthy and harmonious relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Other Treatments for TMJ
Sometimes, our Kingwood dentists may recommend other treatments like wearing braces or having physical therapy to manage your TMJ-induced pain and keep it from recurring. Very rarely is surgery ever necessary.
How can you know for sure if you have TMJ disorder? Schedule a visit with our Kingwood dentists, Dr. Ghattus and Dr. Bell. We will perform a thorough exam and take any necessary x-rays to provide you with educational information on how to stop the pain.
Posted on behalf of Dentistry of Kingwood