When Should You Discuss TMJ Disorder With Your Dentist?

Is there any reason to talk with your dentist about your recent headaches? Headaches can actually be linked to problems with your jaw joints and movement, so this can actually be a worthwhile topic to discuss at your next routine dental exam! When you have headaches, jaw stiffness and pain, facial soreness, or issues with teeth grinding, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder. By determining if this problem is affecting you, it becomes possible for you to address the cause of your discomfort and put an end to it! At our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office, we can recommend treatment with a custom oral appliance to ease tension on your jaw and make your bite movement more even. If necessary, we can also discuss restorative dental work to improve your oral health function.

TMJ Disorder Can Create Several Problems For You

There are several negative effects of TMJ disorder that can interfere with someone’s quality of life. Until the matter is addressed, you can experience pain and stiffness every time you try to bite and chew food, which can lead to discomfort as well as limited function. Over time, the problems you experience can lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, and teeth grinding. If you do start to grind your teeth, you can wind up suffering from wear and tear that hurts the quality of your smile as well as your oral health.

Using An Oral Appliance To Ease Your Aches And Pains

With a custom oral appliance, your dentist can help you improve your bite movement and address a problem with poorly aligned joints. When worn at night, your appliance can encourage your jaw to stay in a more comfortable position, which can gradually ease the tension that has caused you so much trouble. This can mean a better bite, a reduction in headaches, and more benefits!

What Can You Do To Address Teeth Grinding Problems?

Just as a custom appliance can help with TMJ disorder, we can use a mouth guard to stop teeth grinding problems from negatively affecting you. When worn, it will keep your teeth apart so grinding and clenching cannot take place during the night. Seeking treatment for TMJ disorder in time to prevent trouble with your enamel can spare you the need for restorative dental work to address damage. Minor wear and tear can sometimes motivate patients to schedule cosmetic dental work to improve the way they look.

Talk To Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist About TMJ Disorder

Dr. Browne is ready to meet with patients who suspect that they are dealing with headaches, jaw pain, and other problems that might be connected to TMJ disorder. To find out more, please contact our Prairie Village, KS dental office today at 913-901-8585.