When you have persistent headaches, or aches in your jaw, this could mean you’ve developed TMJ disorder. Also known as TMD, this common disorder occurs when your jaw joints become strained, and could be the source of serious discomfort. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we treat TMJ disorders to stop your headaches.
TMJ Disorder and Headaches
The issue occurs when the temporomandibular joints that connect your jaw and skull become very strained. The stress then makes opening and closing your mouth completely difficult, and causes a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Along with headaches and migraines, you could also experience jaw pain, aches in the neck and face, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. A popping or crackling sensation in the jaw joints is also common too! If you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, then please contact our team today to schedule an exam and diagnosis!
Causes and Complications
TMD could occur as a result of an injury to the face or jaw, or due to tooth loss, dental misalignment, teeth grinding, or any issues that upset the balance of the bite and place strain on the jaw joints. Over time, the symptoms grow more severe and your ability to open and close your mouth becomes complicated. The issue also increases the risk of associated disorders, such as teeth grinding, which could damage your teeth and increases the risk of issues like tooth decay and even dental infection! Which is why treatment is critical for keeping your smile whole and healthy.
Oral Appliance Therapy
For many patients, we could recommend a noninvasive and comfortable treatment option with an oral appliance. The device will be designed and crafted based on detailed images we take of your smile with digital technology. The completed appliance will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is custom-fitted for your smile. Worn as you sleep, the device then repositions the jaw joints to ease pressure and strain. If you grind your teeth, the device also places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage or pressure. We could also address the issue with orthodontic care to treat misalignment, or place a custom dental crown to restore balance to the bite.
If you have any questions about how we treat issues like TMJ disorder, or if you or a member of your family is overdue for a checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About General Dentistry?
Treating your TMJ disorder could help prevent headaches and jaw pain. Learn more about treating the strain and imbalance in your smile by scheduling an appointment by calling Plaza Family Dentistry in Kansas City, MO, at (816) 531-8000.
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