Headaches, Neck Aches, Grinding and Popping
If you suffer from chronic headaches, or jaw popping, you may suffer from TMJ Disorder.
TMJ Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) develops from complications associated with the jaw muscles or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The complications range from a minor irritant to a major change in lifestyle. For instance, you might feel a minor pain that quickly dwindles when biting down on hard food or you might experience major pain while speaking with someone or when chewing on any type of food.
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Explained
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower part of your jaw (your mandible) to your temporal bone in your skull, which is located in front of your ear on each side of your head. The TMJ is flexible. Your jaw moves easily – up and down – allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. Your muscles, attached to and surrounding your TMJ, manage the motion and position of your jaw.
The Cause of TMJ Disorder
Dr. Streit understands that the causes of TMJ disorder vary from patient to patient. He also knows that, when not treated properly, TMJ can lead to long-term problems. Notice if you are experiencing any problems with the muscles of your jaw or with the joint. On occasion, injury to the TMJ, jaw, or head and neck muscles can trigger TMJ disorders.
The Signs of TMJ
If you experience any of the following signs, you may want Dr. Streit to examine you for TMJ.
- Your head aches and your neck aches
- Your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold
- Your TMJ grinds, pops, or clicks.
- Your teeth have become worn down, loose, or broken
- You have facial pain
- Your jaw locks when your mouth is opened or closed
- Your face and jaw muscles tighten or your teeth clench
Dr. Streit or his dental hygienist can perform a bite evaluation to determine if it is possible to gain relief from any of these signs of TMJ.
The relief for TMJ Disorders
Each patient is different, but depending on your dental needs and the extent of your TMJ, the relief can be quite simple. Dr. Streit can easily attach a tiny appliance onto your upper front teeth that simply clips into place. The relief appliance eases your muscles, eliminates the frequency of your headache pain, and eradicates the intensity of your headache pain. In addition to your bite evaluation, Dr. Streit depends on this appliance to help determine the cause of your TMJ. Although the appliance provides pain relief, Dr. Streit’s goal is to establish the cause of your TMJ disorder and to eliminate your need to wear the device. Along with the appliance, Dr. Streit will look to diagnostic wax-ups, MRIs, or CT scans to help assess a cure for your TMJ disorder.
Distinctive Dentistry provides economical, harmless, and gentle treatment for your TMJ disorder. By treating TMJ in its early stages, Distinctive Dentistry can also thwart long-term damage stemming from TMJ.
