At Leading Dental Solutions, Dr. David Kaffey and Dr. Mark Weinstein pride themselves on helping patients care for their entire mouth. Our general dentistry services, which are vital to the overall maintenance of good oral health, are focused not only the teeth and gums, but also the jawbone, which is the supportive structure that allows the mouth to function properly and comfortably. If the jawbone becomes strained, a patient’s oral comfort and health can be compromised. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition that refers to problems with the temporomandibular joint, can result in a number of uncomfortable side effects that can also limit jaw functions. We offer TMJ disorder therapy to our Lansdale, PA patients in order to eliminate these painful side effects and restore full function to the jaw and mouth.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder may result in a number of different side effects. Not all of these side effects impact the mouth directly, so many patients do not even realize that they are suffering from this condition. Knowing the side effects of TMJ disorder can help patients to recognize when this problem may be present so that appropriate dental care can be sought out as soon as possible. Below are some of the most common side effects of TMJ disorder:
- Lock-jaw
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Jaw pain
- Discomfort while chewing
- Facial pain and/or headaches
- Pain or ringing in the ears
If any of these symptoms are present, they should be reported to the dentist so that the mouth can be examined and treatment can be discussed.
TMJ Disorder Therapy
Dr. Kaffey and Dr. Weinstein offer conservative TMJ disorder therapy that is non-invasive in nature, yet is highly effective in relieving the symptoms of this condition. This therapy is based around the use of a custom-made mouth guard. Patients wear this mouth guard while they sleep and it helps to hold the jawbone and teeth in proper alignment, and also prevents the teeth from clenching or grinding against one another (a common cause of TMJ disorder). Because each mouth guard is custom crafted to each patient’s specific measurements, they are not only highly effective, but also completely comfortable. By ensuring that the jaw rests properly at night, we can enhance its functions and relieve many of the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder for our patients.
In some cases, there are indications that other dental problems may be contributing to TMJ disorder. Misalignment and tooth decay on the back teeth can cause the teeth and jaw to sit incorrectly, which may result in TMJ disorder. Similarly, TMJ disorder can cause damage to the back teeth. Restorative dentistry treatments to repair any damage that is present can help strengthen these damaged teeth, prevent further oral health problems, and ensure that these issues do not aggravate the TMJ disorder. Orthodontic treatment can also be discussed if malocclusion seems to be a contributing factor to TMJ disorder.
Contact Us
If you are suffering from headaches, facial pain, or jaw stiffness, it is likely that you are experiencing TMJ disorder. To learn more about this condition and the therapy that can be used to treat it, contact us at Leading Dental Solutions at your earliest convenience.