TMJ Treatment
TMJ Dental Specialist Kent
Bruxism/TMJ Treatment in Kent WA
Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a hinge connecting the temporal bones of the head to the jaw. You can easily yawn, eat, and move your jaw up and down and side to side thanks to this joint. Temporomandibular dysfunction, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition where there are issues with the jaw and facial muscles.
Causes Of TMJ Disorder
TMJ condition is primarily brought on by issues with the jaw muscles or joint. A TMJ issue may result from damage to the jaw, the neck, or the head and neck muscles. TMJ problem may result from severe whiplash that damages the joint or jaw, as well as the neck and head muscles. Other root causes of TMJ dysfunction include:
- Teeth clenching or grinding, which puts a great deal of pressure on the joint
- The disc or cushion between the joint’s ball and socket moving
- Joint pain from arthritis
- Stress that could result in clenching or tightening of the teeth, jaw, or facial muscles
Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder
TMJ dysfunction can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Common signs of the condition include:
- Face, neck, jaw, ear, and surrounding area tenderness and pain
- Having trouble opening the mouth
- Frequently locking or remaining in the closed or open mouth positions
- During expanding or closing the mouth, or when eating, there is a clicking, popping, or grating sound.
Other signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include headaches, toothaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, discomfort in the upper shoulder, etc.
TMJ Treatment
To cure TMJ condition, consulting a dental professional is necessary. How your dentist can assist you is as follows:
- Drugs available over-the-counter: Dentists will prescribe these drugs to relieve dental discomfort and swelling. He might also advise you to avoid clenching or grinding your teeth in order to relax the muscles.
- One of the most popular TMJ treatments recommended by dentists is the night guard or splint, which fits over the lower and upper teeth to prevent them from contacting one another. It lessens the negative effects of clenching or grinding and aids in correcting the bite.
- Dental work: To balance the biting surface of the teeth and fix any bite issues, the dentist may replace missing teeth or use bridges or crowns. It will typically resolve TMJ issues. Dental procedures are only advised in extreme circumstances.
In case you are also experiencing TMJ problems, contact us and our TMJ specialist dentist in Kent will guide you through this dental treatment process and answer all your concerns.
Our Dentists At Seablue Dental Are Trained To Diagnose And Treat Many Of The Following TMJ Conditions :
- Jaw Muscle Pain
- Grinding at Night
- Open Lock Position
- Acute and Chronic Jaw Pain
Call today for a consultation.
