TMJ & Bruxism Treatment
When you wake up, do you experience headaches or neck and shoulder pain? Do you experience pain when you open and close your jaws or have trouble chewing comfortably?
All of these are symptoms of a problem with your temporomandibular joint or TMJ. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can cause pain. We refer to it as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. At Vermont Hills Family Dental, we offer a conservative solution that provides the TMJ pain relief you so desperately need.
Why Do I Have TMJ Pain?
Chronic teeth grinding or bruxism to the point of pain usually indicates a malfunction of your TMJ. It may be the result of a bad dental bite (malocclusion), tooth loss, or broken and worn teeth. Some people clench and grind their only during sleep, while others do so all day long.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
You may experience any one or more of the numerous symptoms associated with TMJ problems:
- Jaw pain
- Morning headaches and migraines
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing your jaw
- Fractured, broken, or excessively worn teeth
- Tinnitus or ringing in the years
What Causes Bruxism?
Everyone is unique, and the underlying reason for bruxism varies from patient to patient and may include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Malocclusion
- Stress and lifestyle
- Alcohol, medication, or caffeine
- Neurological dysfunction
How Do You Treat TMJ Pain and Bruxism?
For all the pain and disruption that teeth grinding and TMD causes in your life, the solution may be relatively simple. One of the reasons you feel pain in your jaw is that it is tired and sore, just like any other overworked joint in your body.
We can help by customizing a night guard for you to wear while you sleep. Made using impressions of your teeth, the night guard is worn over your upper teeth or lower teeth, depending on your individual needs. The presence of the guard prevents your upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other. This relieves the constant pressure on your TMJ and gives it a chance to rest and recover.
Other TMJ Treatment Approaches
The first step is an evaluation with Dr. Brown at our Portland dental office. She will take digital x-rays and examine your bite and the function of your TMJ. Depending on the results, she may recommend the following solutions to resolve your pain.
- Replace missing teeth
- Build up broken or worn-down teeth
- Add tooth crowns to adjust your dental bite
Call Our Portland TMJ Dentist to Schedule
By providing customized TMJ treatment, we can help relieve your pain and minimize the impact that jaw pain has on your daily life. Please call us so we can provide the help you need and relieve your TMJ pain.
