Archive for October 2023

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain or clicking, you may be suffering from a condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD. At Hebron Family Dentistry, we understand the frustration of chronic pain and are happy to offer custom TMD solutions to relieve your discomfort. You can count on Dr. Watson and our dedicated team for exceptional care that exceeds your expectations!

What Are the Causes of TMJ Pain?

Your TMJs are small, triangular-shaped joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. There are two TMJs on each side of the jaw, in front of the ears, allowing your jaws to move up and down, side to side, and back and forth. 

A temporomandibular joint disorder can leave you with debilitating pain in the jaws and surrounding muscles. Common causes may include genetics, arthritis, stress, jaw injury, crooked or missing teeth, or an uneven bite. TMD is often associated with chronic teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. 

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

The most common tell-tale signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw joint pain and discomfort, a clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth, and muscle pain in the cheeks and temples. Other symptoms may include tension headaches, facial pain, earaches or ringing, locking of the jaw, limited mouth movements, changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together, and tingling of the extremities. 

What Are TMD Treatment Options? 

Dr. Watson will evaluate your concerns and recommend the most conservative TMJ treatment to relieve your discomfort. These may include facial exercises, muscle relaxers, or anti-inflammatory medication. Another option is a procedure known as occlusal equilibrium, which involves reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth to help the jaw close properly. 

If nighttime teeth grinding is the cause of your TMJ discomfort, Dr. Watson may recommend oral appliance therapy. That includes wearing a mouthguard called a night guard to help prevent the devastating effects of bruxism on your teeth and jaws. Your custom oral appliance will also help realign your jaw as you sleep, taking tension off your jaw joints. In some severe TMJ cases, when a patient needs more than nighttime treatment, wearing dental splints during the day may provide the needed relief. 

TMD Treatment Near Me

If you are in search of non-surgical TMD solutions, our team at Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, is here to help. Dr. Watson will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal solution to provide you with long-term TMJ relief. Call us at 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!