Wanting more information from an actual dentist on treating pain associated with TMD? Many people confuse TMD with TMJ, which is understandable as the terms are very similar.
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is located on both sides of the head and directly connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint plays a very important role as it controls the ability for the jaw to move properly, necessary for everyday actions like chewing and talking. When someone is experiencing problems with their TMJ, these problems are known as a TMJ disorder or simply TMD.
Wondering if a dentist can help you deal with your TMD pain? TMD, aka temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to a dysfunction of the TMJ. When the temporomandibular joint is not functioning properly it directly affects the surrounding muscles, which is going to cause various levels of discomfort and/or pain anytime the jaw moves.
Some of the more common causes of TMD include being diagnosed with arthritis, an autoimmune disease, bruxism, having an infection in the mouth or experiencing some sort of jaw injury.
Dental patients who receive a TMD diagnosis will experience some degree of pain. This makes it a good idea for patients to learn what options are available to them for reducing or even eliminating their jaw-related pain. Experiencing any type of jaw pain can really get in the way of one’s everyday life as even performing simple tasks like eating and talking can induce pain.
Patients often experience pain in or around their ear area, their jaw area, their neck area and even their shoulder area. They may also experience clicking when opening or closing their mouth, some swelling on one or both sides of their face and ongoing headaches.
Those suffering from TMD have a few different options for treating their pain. In order for them to understand the options that will ideally work for them, a dental appointment is necessary. During this appointment they will be carefully evaluated, allowing a dentist to understand the severity of their TMD problems. Once the severity is understood, the treatment process can begin.
Common options for treating TMD include resting the jaw, using a heating pad or exercises that relax the jaw muscles, wearing a mandibular advancement device, wearing a bite guard, learning how to deal with stress, wearing invisible braces and taking over the counter medications. Surgery is always a last resort.
Ready to make an appointment with a dentist to address your TMD pain? The sooner you make an appointment, the sooner you can be on your way to being pain-free. Your first step is getting a proper diagnosis so that a treatment plan can be made for you.
As you can see by the above information, there are many options for treating TMD pain. The fact that TMD is a complicated condition makes it essential for anyone who is experiencing jaw pain to make an appointment with an experienced dentist for a professional evaluation.
Request an appointment here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com or call Total Care Implant Dentistry at (760) 394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When you have dentures, you must remember this, proper denture care starts with treating your dentures just like natural teeth. You should keep your dentures clean and shiny to help maintain your new smile. Keeping your dentures and mouth clean will help to extend the life of your new smile! Here are four tips on…
Dentures can be a great way to replace missing teeth, but they require regular denture care and maintenance. In fact, dentures can last for ten or more years with proper denture care. How long dentures will last depends on how well and how often you take care of them.Dentures rarely need repairs, but dentists recommend…
While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies, including severe pain, injury, or infection, require immediate attention to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome. Knowing when to seek care from an emergency dentist can be key to preserving oral health.Severe tooth pain…
Whether you can use toothpaste for denture care is a common question many people wonder when they first get dentures. The short answer to this question is no; you cannot. But why is it that you can’t use toothpaste on dentures? Let’s find out.Dentures are made of a less sturdy material than your natural teeth.…
When you have dentures, you must remember this, proper denture care starts with treating your…
Dentures can be a great way to replace missing teeth, but they require regular denture…
Patients can check with their regular dentist for advice on finding an emergency provider or…
Whether you can use toothpaste for denture care is a common question many people wonder…
Partial dentures are one of the most cost-friendly and effective options for replacing missing teeth.
It might take some time adjusting to your new smile and the proper denture care…