For Richfield, MN, patients with headaches and popping sensations in the jaw, treatment for TMJ disorder may be necessary. What causes the onset of TMD and what happens if a patient doesn’t seek treatment? Will a custom-made mouthguard really help improve your oral health and function?
How Does TMD Occur?
TMJ disorder impacts the temporomandibular joints, which control the movement needed to eat and speak. When these joints undergo stress, TMD may occur and create problems fully opening and closing the mouth. The factors behind jaw joint strain vary, but may be caused by tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, bruxism (teeth grinding/jaw clenching), stress, crooked or crowded teeth, and malocclusion. Before recommending treatment, we will identify the factors behind your jaw joint strain to ensure we prescribe the most effective treatment options.
Potential Symptoms
How do you know if you suffer from TMD? Well, you may notice a popping or crackling sensation in your jaw. Headaches are common, as well as aches in the jaw, neck, and face. You may also develop tooth sensitivity and toothaches due to teeth grinding. Remember, if you also grind your teeth then treatment is crucial for safeguarding your smile’s health and stability. Regular teeth grinding actually wears down tooth enamel and may even chip or crack a tooth, leading to a greater risk of tooth decay and infection. Stopping your bruxism means preventing major complications and preserving the health of your smile, as well as addressing a major cause of TMJ disorder. If you have experienced one or more of the symptoms we’ve discussed, then you should contact your Richfield, MN, dentist right away to schedule a diagnosis.
Treatment with Custom-Made Mouthguards
Treatment options could include adding a restoration, addressing tooth loss with a prosthetic, or undergoing orthodontic treatment to correct a bite’s balance and alignment. However, in most cases we prescribe an oral appliance. The custom-made mouthguard will fit comfortably and be worn as you sleep. The device actually repositions the jaw itself, which eases tension and safeguards the smile against symptoms. The device also protects teeth from damage due to teeth grinding by providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. We’re happy to offer our area patients access to a comfortable and noninvasive solution to TMD. If you have any questions about identifying and treating TMJ disorder, then please contact our team today. We want to help find the most appropriate solution to your jaw joint pain and dysfunction.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
If you jaw hurts, then you may need to talk about the onset of TMJ disorder and possible treatment options. To learn more about our preventive treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
