Are you experiencing chronic pain when you talk? Do you have strange “clicking” or “popping” noises that emanate from your jawbone? If you answered yes, you may have a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). TMJD affects over 10 million Americans and can be very uncomfortable and painful.
However, it’s not something you have to suffer through – there are solutions. Dr. Alexandra S. George DDS offers those solutions via TMJ and TMJD dental services in Wexford to help you overcome this disorder.
But first, in order to overcome an ailment or condition, it helps if we understand it.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
TMJD is an unpleasant and even painful condition that takes place when either one or both of your TMJ joints are swollen from lopsidedness or injury. This happens when your jaw has shifted from its original position or your teeth are contorted.
This can be a serious condition as it has the potential to lead to arthritis if left untreated. Some symptoms of TMJD include the following:
- Pain in the jaw, neck, face, shoulders, and ears when you talk, eat or open your mouth.
- Difficulty opening your mouth widely
- Jaw gets “trapped” or “stuck” in certain positions
- Popping or clicking noises when you speak or chew
- A sore or tired feeling around your face
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatments
There are several options available in regards to treatment. And the particular method we use will be based on the severity of your condition, in addition to other factors. With that said, here are the solutions we would utilize:
Crowns
Crowns can be of tremendous utility in treating TMJD, as they can alleviate the pain associated with TMJD in addition to other jaw conditions. This is accomplished via the restoration of your teeth to a placement similar to an orthotic.
An exceptional option; crowns are especially useful if you have a tendency to grind your teeth. This is because they can repair the formation of a tooth that has been eroded due to unrestrained grating.
Braces
This is a little different than the conventional type of braces you may be thinking of. At Franklin Dental, our TMJD dental services and orthodontics take on a broader perspective. We look at the relationship between your jaw and teeth; taking into account their overall functionality, rather than just the appearance of your smile.
The primary goal of braces is to reposition the teeth and reshape the arrangement of both your jaw and bone formation. And this is all done in an effort to situate these components into a more comfortable position.
Orthotic Appliance
An orthotic appliance is a temporary fix to the pain and discomfort of your jawline. Impermanent, changeable, unattached, this solution can be removed at will but can be used for a full day (24 hours).
Orthotics were produced to move the bottom jaw in a proper location, and as a result, minimize the unpleasant symptoms of TMJD.
Are You Ready to Beat TMJD?
No one should have to suffer through the pain that TMJD produces. There are solutions and treatments available, and if you’re ready, our team of dental specialists is here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment.
