Your jaw hurts, it makes clicking noises, your face is tender, and you find it difficult to chew food. These are all common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). It is a problem that afflicts the joints that attach your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. Millions of people in the U. S. suffer from this painful issue. But what exactly is this condition, and how can you find relief for your TMJ in Lincoln? Let’s discuss these important questions.
TMD: The Basics
TMD is essentially any condition that affects the well-being of your jaw or the muscles that control it. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. The disorder may even be misdiagnosed sometimes because it can lead to pain in areas other than the jaw, such as the head and neck. A ringing in the ears and hearing loss are also possible.
It isn’t unusual for the cause of TMD to remain a mystery. However, there are some circumstances that put you at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. Some factors that may contribute to TMD include:
- Bruxism (habitual teeth grinding)
- Misalignment in the jaw or teeth
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- A stressful lifestyle that causes chronic muscle tension.
- Traumatic facial injuries
Treating TMD
Often, the best way to begin exploring treatment options for TMD is to visit a dentist. Dentists have studied the orofacial structures in-depth, so they are familiar with all of the elements that go into creating a comfortable and well-aligned bite. After performing a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw, your dentist might be able to pinpoint the cause of your pain. Then, they may recommend one of the following treatments to address your TMD:
- Occlusal splint. Sometimes simply called a nightguard, this custom oral device gently repositions the jaw at night. This helps the muscles to relax.
- Occlusal adjustment. By making changes to your bite, your dentist may be able to relieve unnecessary stress on your jaw joint. In some cases, this is a minor procedure, but other individuals may require full mouth reconstruction.
- Botox. It’s for more than treating wrinkles! Botox can paralyze stressed muscles, helping to keep them relaxed and providing you with relief from TMD pain.
In addition to relying on your dentist’s help, you may be able to do a few things at home to mitigate your symptoms. For example, facial exercises and stress-relieving activities can be an important part of your TMJ therapy in Lincoln.
How is your jaw feeling? If you have TMD, or you suspect that you may have it, it’s worth your effort to make a trip to your dentist’s office. Relief may be within your reach!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer A. Reed is an experienced, certified prosthodontist. As such, she has an intimate understanding of the orofacial structures and is well-qualified to provide TMJ therapy. If you would like to discover if she can help your jaw feel better, contact our office at 402-488-5007.
