TMJ disorder and bruxism are two very different, but often related, oral health issues. Without treatment, they can lead to painful symptoms and injured teeth. But we can help! In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about treating TMJ disorder and bruxism.
TMJ Disorder and Bruxism
TMJ disorder occurs when the balance of your jaw is upset, which strains the joints and leads to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, while also upsetting your ability to fully open and close your mouth. Bruxism means you grind and clench your teeth on a nightly basis, which can damage your teeth and lead to major complications, such as tooth decay and infection.
Both could be caused by issues that upset bite balance, such as tooth loss, injury to the jaw or the face, malocclusion caused by misalignment, or issues with the growth and development of the jaw or the eruption of the teeth. Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to teeth grinding and vice-versa, and for many high stress levels could lead to teeth grinding.
Conducting a Diagnosis
When should you see our team for a diagnosis? While both of these disorders are quite different, they have similar symptoms and one could lead to the other. For example, let us know if you have persistent tooth sensitivity or a toothache that lasts for more than a day. Pain in the face or jaw could be factors, as could persistent headaches and migraines. You could also have a popping sensation in the jaw, or aches in the neck and shoulders. Don’t ignore these potential symptoms, let us know so we can examine the smile with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We will look for signs of wear and friction, and then create a personalized treatment plan.
Oral Appliances
For many, we could treat TMJ disorder and bruxism with an oral appliance. The device will fit like a mouthguard, but is custom-made to ensure a proper fit and treatment with precision. The appliance is custom-fitted for your smile. When in place, this helps alter the position of your jaw to ease underlying stress, so you avoid TMD-related symptoms. The appliance also puts a strong but soft barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent damage during teeth grinding episodes. The oral appliance itself is easy to use and clean, and can travel with you too. This is a noninvasive but effective way to bring relief and protect your smile from further complications.
If you have damage caused by teeth grinding, then we could offer dental bonding in one sitting, or even a custom crown, to bring relief and repair the smile. This means you can smile with confidence again, and improving bite balance in the process further aids in preventing TMD or bruxism episodes. If you have any questions, then give us a call today!
Do You Have Any Questions About Treating TMD and Teeth Grinding?
The team at Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, is ready to help you enjoy good oral health and a comfortable smile. To schedule an appointment with our team, call us today at 972-262-5111
