Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a disorder of the muscles in the jaw. People with TMD may experience chronic pain in their faces and difficulty chewing or locking the jaw joint. Sometimes, patients may hear a clicking sound or feel a grating sensation while opening their mouths or chewing.
As with other disorders, it is better to prevent TMD than to try to cure it. People can visit their doctor at the onset of symptoms associated with TMD or consult with their dentist for the best course of action. Here’s how dentists can help patients with TMJ disorder or TMD:
They Provide the Right Treatment
A bite plate is a custom-made mouthguard that helps to distribute the pressure of teeth grinding over a wider surface area. This can lead to lower intensity and frequency of teeth grinding and less tooth loss.
It is essential to understand that teeth grinding (bruxism) is always a symptom of TMJ pain. Therefore, the most successful TMJ treatments focus on addressing the bruxism and improving the bite alignment. If you are suffering from TMJ pain, you should consult with the best dentist in your area to explore your treatment options.
They Can Tell You What Causes TMJ
TMJ disorders refer to conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles. These conditions are usually caused by teeth grinding, leading to the jaw being misaligned. This misalignment can cause pain and make it difficult to open and close the mouth. If you are experiencing headaches and jaw muscle pain, you should visit your dentist to see if you have a TMJ disorder.
They Look for the Early Signs of TMJ
TMJ is a condition that can be painful and cause difficulty opening and closing the jaw. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit your dentist to prevent future problems. Dentists are skilled at diagnosing, intervening, and managing TMJ, which can help avoid future complications. However, patients should also be aware of their symptoms and pay attention to any jaw muscle pain.
They Can Prevent Future Problems
While your dentist can help you manage your current TMJ pain, they can also help you prevent future problems. Your dentist can fit you with a mouthguard to help prevent teeth grinding and jaw misalignment. Mouthguards can also be helpful for athletes who are at risk for TMJ and other jaw problems.
They Can Work with You to Manage TMJ
TMJ can be a difficult condition to manage, and it can be frustrating for patients. Your dentist can help you manage your TMJ in a way that is comfortable for you. This can help you feel better and improve your quality of life. Your dentist can also help you find treatments that can help you avoid future problems.
Conclusion
Dentists can help patients with TMJ disorder in several ways. They can perform a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of the problem and develop a treatment plan accordingly. In some cases, they may recommend using braces or other devices to realign the jaw and relieve the pressure on the joints. In other cases, they may prescribe medication to help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with the condition.
At Shallowford Family Dental Group, we are proud of our history. This practice began back in 1940 with one doctor dedicated and committed to providing the best care possible to his patients. As the years passed, the practice has gained thousands of wonderful patients who have entrusted us with their family’s health. Today we continue that care commitment in our modern, state-of-the-art facility with our four experienced doctors. If you are looking for a family dentist in Chattanooga, get in touch with us today! Let us know how we can help.