TMJ Disorder, also known as Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a painful thing to experience, and millions of people do. One of the most common symptoms of this disorder is persistent headaches. Unfortunately, many other issues can cause headaches, so it can be difficult to pinpoint TMJ Disorder as the cause. This is frustrating and causes the disorder to be one of the tricker ones to identify. However, there are other symptoms and things to look at that can help us determine if you are, in fact, suffering from it. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, prosthodontist talks about TMD and the ways that we can help alleviate your suffering.
What Exactly Is It?
TMD occurs when the jaw joints that connect your jaw to the base of your skull become misaligned. This can occur for numerous reasons, but one of the most common is Bruxism, another disorder that is characterized by persistent and unconscious teeth grinding and clenching. Stress and anxiety often lead to bruxism, so be aware of any environmental triggers around you. The jaw joints that TMJ Disorder affects contain myriad nerves, which is why it can be so painful. Moreover, these joints are almost constantly in use — via talking, eating, and chewing — which makes them difficult to heal on their own.
The Damage Caused
TMD can be very painful and in addition to the aforementioned headaches, it can also cause neck, shoulder, ear, and even lower back pain. When you suffer from these symptoms, it can be difficult to function as you normally do. Bruxism can lead to tooth damage, which can then necessitate cosmetic and restorative procedures to remedy.
How We Treat This Disorder
Interestingly, both bruxism and TMJ disorder have similar treatments. The most common is a mouthguard that you wear at night while you sleep. It is custom-made and fitted to the precise specifications of your teeth and jaw. For TMD, it will help ease your jaw back into alignment. For bruxism, it prevents your teeth from grinding and clenching together. In other cases, treatment could consist of restorative services that adjust your bite via fixing tooth and jaw problems. In any case, we can help you solve either issue and help you get you back to your normal functionality!
Reach Out To Us To See How We Can Help Solve This Disorder
If you are suffering from unexplained headaches and other pains around your jaw and head, you could very well have TMD. If so, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible, so we can begin treatment. This issue is solvable, and we can help. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200.