Do I Need TMJ Therapy for Jaw Pain?
Most people who grind or clench their teeth at night are unaware they’re even doing it. For this reason, it’s important that you mention any jaw pain to our TMJ dentists in Grandville, MI. They’ll be able to determine if you’re a candidate for TMJ therapy and how it’ll affect your overall care plan.
If you frequently wake up with jaw pain, it’s time to take action. Our dentists are ready to help and will be able to prevent further damage to your smile.
Here’s how to get started.
Identify What Causes TMJ Pain
Sometimes it can be hard to determine the exact cause of TMJ pain. This may especially be the case if you have a complex medical history. The truth is that there are many different factors that could be contributing to your symptoms and affecting the temporomandibular joint. For example, you may have a higher risk of a TMJ disorder if you were recently hit in the face.
Other conditions that can trigger a include nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) and arthritis. In the case of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, a patient may experience joint inflammation and stiffness that can affect the TMJ. To truly know the source of your jaw pain, we recommend scheduling appointments with your primary care physician and dentist.
Recognize TMD Symptoms
Not sure if what you’re experiencing is due to a TMJ disorder? If you recognize any of the below symptoms, we recommend seeing one of our dentists. They will be able to examine your teeth and take dental X-rays to see if there are any problems with your jaw joint.
Common TMD symptoms include:
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
- Toothaches
- Neck aches
- Jaw pain
- Clicking jaw joint
- Facial tenderness or pain
Our dentists offer TMJ therapy treatment in addition to their other services. This means that you’ll have access to comprehensive dental care.
Seek TMD Treatment
Rest assured, our dentists can help you manage your so you can enjoy an improved quality of life. That being said, they may refer you to a specialist if you have severe symptoms or symptoms that worsen over time. Under these circumstances, your doctor may recommend TMJ surgery as a last resort, but only when other pain management methods have failed.
For milder cases caused by teeth grinding, our dentists may recommend wearing a custom bite splint at night to relieve your symptoms. A bite splint for bruxism works by forming a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This prevents you from grinding or clenching your teeth at night. That way, you can avoid enamel loss, jaw pain, and other oral health issues.
Schedule a Consultation for TMJ Therapy
Our TMJ dentists in Grandville, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to determine if you’re a candidate for TMJ therapy. To schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options, please call 44 West Dental Professionals at (616) 530-2200. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.