Do you often wake up in the morning with jaw soreness or stiffness, or do you hear clicking when you open or close your mouth? If so, you might have developed a TMJ disorder. If left untreated, your condition can result in chronic aches that extend from the jaw to the ear, neck, or head, as well as dental damage, such as chips, cracks, or other injuries.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your discomfort, you might feel tempted to contact your primary care physician for help. Continue reading to learn more about why it’s often better to call your dentist instead!
What is TMJ?
Your jawbone anchors to your skull through 2 joints located just in front of the base of each ear. Under normal circumstances, they give your mouth a full range of motion. Most people can open and close their jaws, move them forward and back, and shift them side to side.
However, if you have a bite misalignment or bruxism, commonly known as teeth-grinding, these joints can become overworked and inflamed. You may experience aches or inflammation, and limited mouth movement can also impair your ability to eat, speak, and smile normally.
Why Should I Treat TMJ With a Dentist?
Although your general healthcare provider may be able to assess or diagnose TMJ problems, many experts recommend contacting your dentist instead. This is because they undergo specialized training and are equipped with technology designed to help identify and treat issues in the mouth, jaw, and throat.
That means your dentist is uniquely qualified to help diagnose your condition and deliver customized solutions to address associated symptoms. For instance, many dental offices use advanced digital X-rays for more accurate, comfortable insights into your bite alignment. Then, they can make mess-free digital impressions to help provide a one-of-a-kind solution.
How Does My Dentist Treat TMJ?
There are a couple of potential treatments your provider might recommend once they’ve examined your condition to determine that you are dealing with a TMJ issue. For example, many dentists offer custom-fitted oral appliances called occlusal splints, which are worn overnight to reposition your jaw to alleviate the pressure placed on the joints. This gives them a much-needed break to rest and recover.
Your dentist might also suggest equilibration, also known as occlusal adjustments, which involves making slight changes to the biting surfaces of your teeth to ensure they align correctly when you bite down and avoid overworking the TMJ.
If you are frustrated by jaw aches or limited range of motion, you can likely find the help you’re looking for by scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
About the Practice
Patients at Rancho Park Dental Group benefit from two dentists with 20+ years of combined experience. Dr. Silvera and Dr. Barak collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including TMJ solutions, using advanced technology to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. If you’re worried about jaw stiffness or discomfort, you can request an appointment on the website or call (310) 575-0886.