Chronic pain in the jaw can be incredibly uncomfortable, and many people suffer from it. The most common cause of jaw pain is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), which affects the joint of your jaw. Many individuals suffering from this condition are often unaware of its existence. However, a professional that has been trained to identify the symptoms of TMD can offer a diagnosis. Fortunately, with the expertise of Dr. Neal Patel at Infinite Smiles, individuals can receive the care they need to alleviate the discomfort of TMD.
What Is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a fibrocartilaginous structure that connects the lower jaw to the skull, and it is located on either side of the jaw. When the TMJ is operating efficiently, it promotes smooth movements of the joint. When there is an issue with this structure, you experience temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). The result is limited jaw movement, such as difficulty or pain when opening, closing, chewing, yawning, or performing any other normal function with the mouth.
What Are the Causes of TMD?
TMD can be caused by trauma either from grinding, clenching teeth or external factors, like an accidental impact to the jaw.
Grinding or Bruxism
Ongoing grinding of teeth, usually in times of stress or sleep, can pose a severe problem. Persistent movements of this nature that involve the use of chewing muscles can cause swelling and muscle spasms as well as bone pain.
Clenching Teeth
Continuous biting or tightening of the jaw due to poor oral habits, such as biting fingernails, can also bring on TMD. Non-stop use of this joint, especially pounding and clenching movements can affect how the TMJ functions.
Sudden Trauma
Physical injury to the jaw, resulting in fractures or dislocation of the jaw or TMJ, can cause pain.
Other elements can also have an impact on the TMJ. Infections, cancer, congenital disabilities, arthritis, and other ailments that cause inflammation or abnormalities can lead to TMD.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD? What Treatments Are Available?
Typical symptoms of TMD include pain in the face, ear, neck, back, or shoulders. You might also experience lockjaw, popping sounds in your jaw joints, headaches, and migraines after sleeping, tightening the jaw, or clenching. Damaged teeth from grinding is also a sign of TMD.
With the use of technology, Dr. Patel at Infinite Smiles can identify and diagnose TMD. BioPAK is a computerized tool that evaluates the condition of the jaw and its muscles.
Based on your condition, Dr. Patel may recommend you get custom night guards. These mouthguards can help realign the jaw, and they are a great non-surgical treatment to alleviate pain and tension. Other corrective devices like an NTI-tss splint can be worn during the day to improve jaw positioning and pain. Since it is a muscle relaxer, Botox can also be used to relieve stress on the joints.
Additional treatments can also be applied, but by contacting an Infinite Smiles dentist in Powell, Ohio, such as Dr. Neal Patel, you can receive the full care you need to treat and recover from your TMD pain.
Infinite Smiles Provides Treatment for TMD
If you live in Powell, Ohio and have been searching for a "dentist near me" that provides care to people suffering from jaw pain, migraines, and other discomforts, contact Infinite Smiles. We offer a wide range of services to help our patients reach optimal oral and overall health.
Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Dr. Neal Patel travels the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
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