Preventing TMJ Complications

tmj oral appliance

When our jaw joints undergo excessive strain and stress, this could result in a serious oral health issue known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. Over time, the disorder could be linked to major problem with your oral health, including damaged teeth! In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist will look at how we identify and treat TMJ disorder to prevent complications.

The Causes of TMJ Disorder

What causes TMJ disorder? The joints that connect our jaw and skull is are referred to as the temporomandibular joints. When they become strained, this leads to difficulty opening and closing the mouth fully, and could also cause complications like bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). Causes of the strain vary, but could include untreated teeth grinding, tooth loss, bite imbalance, dental misalignment, or injury to the face or jaw.

Warning Signs of TMD Troubles

People with this disorder may report popping or crackling sensations in the jaw, as well as jaw and facial pain, aches in the neck and shoulders, and even frequent headaches and migraines. If they also grind their teeth, then tooth sensitivity and toothaches could also develop. Remember, not addressing the pain could put your smile at risk, leading to trouble eating, increasing discomfort, and even a higher risk of tooth decay and dental infection due to damaged teeth. If you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, then please contact our team today.

Treatment With Custom Oral Appliances

We start by carefully examining your smile, identifying the wear and friction that could indicate TMJ issues using advanced technology. Next, we will take detailed impressions and measurements of your smile, which we use to create an oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and will typically worn as you sleep at night. The device is custom-made to ensure a comfortable fit and treatment with precision and accuracy. The device actually repositions the jaw to ease pressure on the joints and stop TMD-related symptoms. If you also happen to grind your teeth, then the oral appliance could also provide a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage. If you have damaged your teeth due to these disorders, we can often offer lifelike repair in one visit with dental bonding!

If you have any questions about treating issues like TMJ disorder, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy your healthiest possible smile!

Do You Have Questions About Treating TMD?

Our team wants to help you enjoy a comfortable smile free of strain and aches. To learn more about our approach to oral surgery and preventive care, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.