Do you often suffer from headaches or migraines, but haven’t found the cause? In some cases, regular pain in your head or face could be connected to your smile. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist explains how we identify and treat TMJ disorder (also known as TMD), and how this jaw joint disorders could be linked to pain in and around your head and jaw.
Headaches and TMD
The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw and skull and are responsible for the movements we need to eat and speak. However, when these same joints become strained, this could enable TMJ disorder to develop. The strain on your smile could be responsible to headaches and migraines, as well as other symptoms. Unless treated, the disorder could even lead to trouble fully opening and closing your mouth, which impacts your ability to eat and speak!
Causes and Other Signs of Trouble
The strain could be caused by bite imbalance, dental misalignment, tooth loss, untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), or even injury to the face or jaw. Along with headaches and migraines, you could also be more likely to experience a cracking or popping sensation in your jaw. Other warning signs could include face and jaw pain, and aches in the neck or shoulders. If you grind your teeth, the pressure could mean damaged enamel, and an increased risk of toothaches and tooth sensitivity due to cavities and infection. If you encounter one or more of these potential symptoms, then contact our team today for treatment.
Treatment Options
Our team will perform a detailed examination using digital technology. In some cases, we may correct misalignment to address the pressure, or place a crown or restore balance. But the most common option is an oral appliance. Custom-made based on detailed impressions and images we take of you smile, this device is worn like a mouthguard as you sleep. The appliance then repositions your jaw to ease strain, and also provides a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage from teeth grinding.
Repair
Now, if your TMD and bruxism happen to wear down enamel or even damage a tooth, then we have repair options available. With dental bonding, we can repair minor damage in one visit. In only two visits, we can also create and place a series of custom-made porcelain veneers too. If you have any questions about TMD and teeth grinding, then contact our team today. We want to help you start 2021 with a stronger, healthier smile!
Your Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Provides Preventive Treatment
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, we want to help you enjoy a stronger, brighter smile with routine care. To find out more about our custom-made oral appliances, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
