Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, better known as TMD, can have varying symptoms that may cause discomfort and significantly impact your quality of life. It is recommended that when you have signs of early TMD, you consult your dentist to get you on the correct track for treatment.
Signs of TMD are:
- Jaw, neck, and head discomfort
- Popping sound in the joint when you chew or yawn
- Jaw joints locking
- Worn-down teeth as a symptom of bruxism (grinding teeth)
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tenderness or pain during chewing
With your jaw joint being one of the most important working groups in your body, it has many tasks to fulfill for you on a daily basis that you might not even think about. The joint works with muscles, discs, and ligaments. Working hard every minute of the day to chew, eat, talk, or laugh, your jaw can get overworked and overstressed. Some of the causes of the stress might be:
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Injury to the neck or jaw
- Stress that begins to affect the neck and jaw
- Sleep apnea
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or problems, consult your dentist.
How To Know What Treatment Plan Is Best for You to Combat TMJ
There isn't a one-size-fits-all plan for TMJ treatment; that's why the doctors at Palatine Complete Dental personalize a treatment plan tailored to you and your unique needs. Here are some approaches we use to treat your TMD:
- An occlusal splint (mouth guard) is a custom-made dental appliance worn at night to prevent teeth grinding while you sleep.
- A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is a custom-made device used to loosen the jaw and open your airway to prevent sleep apnea.
- Orthodontic adjustment using braces or Invisalign®.
- Occlusal equilibration is a bite adjustment procedure that is precisely done to correct your bite and placement of teeth to correct misalignment.
- Physical therapy to reduce tension and exercise the tight jaw muscles to reduce pain.
- Medications to limit stress and help ease the tension in your jaw for TMJ
We want to cater to your specific needs to do what's best for you and relieve the discomfort caused by TMD.
Schedule an Appointment to Determine the Best Treatment Plan for You
Call your dentist in Palatine, Illinois, to discuss the next steps to help with your TMD. We are here to help you.