If you ever experience chronic headaches, soreness in your jaws, or popping when you open and close your mouth, you may have TMJ dysfunction. This may seem like a minor problem that you can ignore, but over time there are some serious side effects that this disorder can cause. At Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, we have several options that can help you. From a supportive appliance to corrective treatment, we can help you alleviate stress from your jaws.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can be caused by several factors. Chronic tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, may play a significant role in TMD. Other causes could be genetics, stress, injury, or more. In some cases, you may only be experiencing mild discomfort and popping sounds. It may seem easy to ignore these problems or brush them off as normal. However, if ignored for long periods, you could end up with difficulty when chewing or speaking, severe headaches, toothaches, misaligned smile, and more.
A Non-Surgical Approach
For patients who would like a less invasive way to address their jaw problems, a TMJ appliance may be the best solution for you. This is a simple appliance that looks like an orthodontic retainer. This tool works by inserting it into the mouth as you sleep. This appliance will help alleviate the stress from the jaws, giving your joints time to recover from the pressure placed during the day. This appliance will be fit to the shape of your mouth to address your specific needs.
An oral appliance can also be combined with physical therapy to improve your joint movement. In other cases, or if you put this treatment off, you may need surgery to address the problem. This may end up costing you more time and money.
Avoiding Treatment
Ignoring TMJ problems can lead to symptoms worsening and needing surgery to fix the problem. The reason the dentist has concerns with this can affect your teeth. The way that your jaw clenches from this disorder can lead to wearing down the enamel, causing sensitivity, increased risk of cavities, bite dysfunction, and more. Difficulty chewing, talking, and using your jawbone can cause the problem to deteriorate.
Among the many problems that come along with this, you could experience lockjaw meaning you cannot open your mouth for extended periods. This can be a very scary problem to face. Do not wait until you begin experiencing severe problems to see a doctor. Treat TMJ now with an oral appliance.
Schedule A Consultation Today
If you suffer from chronic headaches, jaw pain, and/or difficulty moving your jaw, then you may need custom TMJ treatment to restore your bite’s proper function. To schedule an examination with Dr. Okoniewski, call Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI today at (248) 852-1820.
