Do you have frequent headaches, earaches, dizziness or sleep problems? The problem might be all in your head – or more specifically, in your teeth. TMJ disorders – problems with the temperomandibular joint – can cause any of those symptoms, along with many other symptoms that appear to be neurological or muscular in origin. If you live in Plano, TMJ dentistry by a certified Plano neuromuscular dentist could hold the key to relief.
What Is TMJ Dentistry?
The temperomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull. They are the most-used joints in your entire body – you use them when you smile, when you talk, when you frown, when you chew – in short, every time you use your mouth, you use your TMJ. Your teeth help keep those joints properly aligned. When your teeth are misaligned, worn down or otherwise compromised, it may lead to TMJ pain or more serious problems with the joint. Dentists who are trained to diagnose and treat neuromuscular dental problems can identify dental problems that may be cause your pain and treat the dental issues in a variety of ways.
What Treatments are Available to Alleviate TMJ Disorders?
The treatments for pain and other issues associated with TMJ depend upon the actual cause of your problems. Those causes range from worn joint pads to crooked teeth to habitual tooth clenching and grinding. A Plano TMJ dentist can help determine what is causing your problems and recommend an appropriate treatment. Some of the most common treatments include:
• Custom mouth guards to help prevent teeth clenching and grinding
• Special exercises to help you learn to control jaw clenching and grinding
• TMJ bite therapy to help determine whether your jaw problems are caused by misaligned teeth or an uneven bite that puts pressure on the jaw muscles
Once the cause is determined, the dentist may recommend braces to help realign the teeth, dental appliances to keep you from grinding your teeth while you sleep or reconstructive dentistry to help repair broken, chipped or missing teeth that contribute to malocclusion. If you suffer from frequent headaches or myofacial pain, contact a Plano dentist who specializes in TMJ treatment.
I have problems with my TMJ, which I am pretty sure were caused by singing too much in college (I was a vocal music major). However, I had never even thought about contacting my family dentist to see if he could help with it. I am really tired of my jaw popping all the time, and sometimes the pain is unbearable! Thanks for the idea!
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