TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a common oral health issue that impacts millions of smiles, and could complicate how you open and close your mouth. This is also linked to an array of painful symptoms. Fortunately, your Austin, MN, dentists can offer relief with TMJ treatment.
The Causes and Warning Signs of TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joints connect our jaw and skull, and are necessary for the actions needed to eat and speak. But when these joints undergo excess strain, this could lead to TMJ disorder. Factors include untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), injury to the face or jaw, complications with the growth of the jaw and the eruption of the teeth, tooth loss, or dental misalignment. Common warning signs include jaw pain, facial aches, headaches, migraines, and a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw. When these symptoms arise, let us know right away so we can offer relief and protect your smile from long-term troubles.
Long-Term Impacts
Without treatment, the disorder could mean trouble fully opening and closing your mouth, impacting your overall quality of life. Likewise, the painful symptoms can grow more severe with time. If the untreated TMD leads to teeth grinding, you then risk damaged teeth and an increased risk of cavities and infection. Treatment is necessary to safeguard the smile against major complications down the road.
Treatment Options
To begin, we will carefully examine the smile with digital x-rays and intraoral camera so we can assess the cause and extent of your TMD. From there, we will choose the most appropriate treatment option. For some, this could include orthodontics to correct misalignment. For others, we could use bonding, contouring, or crowns to improve the overall balance of the bite. But for most, we will offer relief with an oral appliance.
After taking detailed digital images of your smile, we will design an oral appliance that looks and fits like a simple mouthguard. Worn at night, this device actually repositions the jaw to improve balance, ease symptoms and offer relief. This could also protect the smile from bruxism-related damage by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating issues like TMJ disorder or bruxism, then contact our team today. A visit now is a chance to use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire, and to receive treatment before the holiday season complicates your schedule.
Do You Have Questions About Treating TMD?
Our team wants to help you remain comfortable and enjoy good oral health for years to come with oral appliance therapy. To make an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.
