TMD and TMJ: Relief for Jaw Pain
At Happy Smiles Dental, we recognize that jaw pain and discomfort can significantly impact your daily life. Conditions such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. We’re here to help you understand these conditions and how we can provide relief.
What Are TMD and TMJ?
TMD refers to a group of disorders affecting the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. The TMJ connects your lower jawbone to your skull, allowing for smooth movement during activities such as eating and speaking. When this joint is misaligned, overloaded as a result of missing teeth/incorrect occlusion, or the muscles are tense, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and restricted movement.
Common Symptoms of TMD:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain in or around the ear
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Headaches or migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Facial pain or swelling
How TMD and TMJ Affect Daily Life
Living with TMD can be challenging. The constant discomfort can affect your ability to eat, speak, and engage in social interactions. Sleep disturbances often accompany jaw pain, leading to fatigue and decreased quality of life. Individuals may find themselves avoiding certain foods or activities due to the fear of triggering pain.
How is TMD Treated?
One of the ways TMD can be treated is with certain types of professionally designed occlusal guard, a custom-made dental appliance designed specifically to help alleviate the symptoms of TMD and TMJ disorders. Typically worn at night, the occlusal guard acts as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, helping to reduce the strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Other modalities of treatment can include analyzing the way the teeth are coming together ( your occlusion) and correcting abrasive pressure points on the teeth and jaws. Medications and/or certain injections in the jaw muscles can provide relaxation of the muscles. In extreme cases, surgery could be recommended.
Goals of TMD Therapy:
Pain Relief: Reduce the pressure on the TMJ, alleviating pain and discomfort associated with TMD.
Muscle Relaxation: Promotes relaxation of the jaw muscles, which may help decrease tension and reduce the frequency of jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism).
Improved Sleep Quality: Minimizing jaw pain and discomfort during the night allows you to wake up feeling refreshed.
Protective Barrier: Protects your teeth from wear caused by grinding or clenching, preventing further dental issues down the line.
Your Path to Relief
At Happy Smiles Dental, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized care for patients experiencing jaw pain and TMD symptoms. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your specific situation and recommend the most effective treatment options, which may include the creation of an occlusal guard, equilibration of your occlusion, medication or other treatments
If you or a loved one are struggling with jaw pain or suspect you may have TMD, contact Happy Smiles Dental today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you find relief and restore comfort to your life!
Happy Smiles Dental sees patients from all over the US and Canada who come to receive expert care from Dr. Alireza Hamidzadeh DDS. MS. We also proudly serve Maryland including Clarksburg, Germantown, Damascus, Frederick, as well as Washington DC, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania. We’re here for you when you need us most!