Are you suffering from chronic jaw pain or stiffness? It may be TMD disorder, which may have untold effects on your overall physical and mental wellbeing. But, don’t worry. You’re not alone to be diagnosed with this problem. There are thousands of people suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD or TMJ).
Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options available to address this condition. But, the symptoms can worsen, if left untreated. Therefore, you should not overlook this. Let’s go through a detailed overview of this condition.
Overview: What is TMD Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint is a hinge that ensures the connection between your jaw and skull, placed in the front of each ear. It enables you to move your jaw (Up-Down and side by side) so you can talk, eat, chew, and do all other daily activities.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can cause chronic pain in your jaws and in the muscles responsible for controlling the movement of your jaws. However, it is slightly tough to determine the exact cause of the disorder, it is more likely to be associated with a combination of multiple factors, including genetics, arthritis or jaw injury.
Some people experiencing jaw pain tend to clench or grind their teeth, also called bruxism. But most people are habitual of grinding their teeth and never experience pain. However, in most cases, the pain and discomfort is temporary and can be treated with a little care and non-surgical treatment. But you will need to visit professional dentists for severe conditions. They will perform TMJ treatment to help you enjoy a pain-free life.
Causes of TMD
While it’s difficult to determine what causes TMD, dentists believe that TMD symptoms occur from problems with the jaw muscles or with the joint itself.
In fact, any injury to your jaw, the joints, or the muscles connecting your head & neck — like from a heavy blow or whiplash can cause TMD. Some other causes of this disorder include;
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Moving soft cushion and disc hurting the ball and socket of the joint
- Arthritis in joints
- Stress, which tightens facial and jaw muscles or teeth clenching
These are the known causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed ASAP. Luckily, TMD can be treated with TMJ treatment, which involves multiple processes, including;
- Medications
- Oral Splints
- Corrective Jaw Surgery or Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Stress Management and Lifestyle Changes
Here at Advanced Dentistry by Design, Dr. Woodlief brings his extensive experience to offer the best yet affordable TMJ treatment in San Jose. With his gentle and comprehensive approach to address jaw-related problems, he is quite popular in nearby areas like Santa Clara, Milpitas, and Campbell, etc. If you are suffering from chronic pain, here are the benefits you can get with the TMJ treatment.
- Enjoy a Pain-free Life
Besides causing jaw pain, TMD can also lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, stiffness, ear pain, and severe upper back pain as well. Therefore, we follow a proven treatment to help patients get rid of chronic discomfort and make their body functions better. - Reduced Risk of Dental Damage
Most patients reported heavy teeth grinding associated with TMD. This condition is called bruxism and can lead to serious dental problems. It may wear down your teeth, leaving them to decay or break. Getting TMJ treatment can protect your smile and dental functionality as well. - Fewer Earaches and Headaches
A majority of people having TMD have reported frequent earache and headaches. This occurs because grinding and clenching of your teeth put pressure on the muscles of your jaw. TMJ treatment not just improves your oral health but also minimizes the risk of earaches and headaches caused by TMD. - Enjoy Your Meal Again
TMD can make eating extremely painful if left untreated. Thousands of people couldn’t enjoy their meals or were forced to reduce their intake due to pain or discomfort. TMJ treatment alleviates your pain and allows you to savor your favorite meals. - Improve Your Overall Health
TMD is associated with multiple systematic health conditions, including chronic fatigue, dizziness, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Apparently, these conditions may have a direct impact on your emotions thus affecting overall wellbeing. TMJ treatment addresses the root of TMD and helps you enjoy a pain-free life again.
Since your days are going to be pain-free, you will be able to live a better life with increased self-confidence and a brighter life ahead. You can visit us or schedule an appointment online. We accept all major insurances to make your treatment convenient.