TMJ in Hunters Creek, FL

TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION (TMJ) NEAR YOU

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a condition characterized by headaches, jaw pain, and ringing in the ears. In worse cases, patients experience dizziness and severe neck pain. Since these symptoms are also present in other medical conditions, there are times that patients do not know that their pain and discomfort are caused by TMJ dysfunction and can be treated by a dentist in Hunters Creek, FL.

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What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction is when the Temporomandibular Joint is unnecessarily stressed. The stress causes pain to the TMJ and it radiates to the other parts of the body such as the body, neck, and face. There are several reasons for the development of TMJ dysfunction. The most common reason is a misaligned jaw, in which the patient might have an overbite or underbite. The misalignment of the teeth causes stress to the TMJ in Orlando, FL 32837, which in turn causes pain to the joint.

Another reason for TMJ dysfunction is bruxism, wherein a patient grinds his teeth and clenches his jaw while subconsciously, most often during sleep, causing stress to the TMJ, the jawline, and the teeth. Aside from the symptoms of TMJ, people who suffer from bruxism also experience damage to their teeth over time. If you have these symptoms, we recommend you call your Kissimmee dental clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

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Why Treat TMJ Dysfunction?

If you have TMJ dysfunction, it greatly affects your daily life, including comfort and functionality as well as your oral health. It is very hard to function well if you have headaches and neck pains from the time you wake up until the end of the day. Not to mention, bruxism (grinding and clenching) can cause serious damage to your teeth such as chipping and breaking, as well as wear as erosion of the tooth enamel. Fractures or breaks in a tooth can leave the tooth vulnerable to bacteria and plaque build-up, which can cause tooth infection without adequate care. TMJ gets worse over time if left untreated. Additional symptoms will be waking up tired and stressed, as well as dizziness and nausea.

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What are Available TMJ Dysfunction Treatments?

Since TMJ dysfunction is caused by several factors, a Kissimmee dentist must diagnose and evaluates the severity of the condition, to prescribe the necessary treatment. There will be a thorough examination that involves assessing the patient’s bite, examining the jaw area, and evaluating x-ray images of the teeth, jaw, and mouth. Medical history might also be acquired for a deeper evaluation of the condition.

If the TMJ dysfunction is caused by malocclusion the primary treatment would be the realignment of the teeth. Several realignment procedures are simple, non-invasive, and don’t require surgery. This is typically for mild cases of a misaligned bite. However, one might need to have more complex procedures and wear dental braces or retainers for a specific time frame.

If the TMJ dysfunction is caused by bruxism, a special nightguard would be created for the patient to prevent the teeth from grinding. The night guard will be customized to the exact shape and size of the patient’s teeth and will be made with silicone or other materials that are comfortable and least bothersome to the mouth. The night guard will prevent teeth from grinding and absorb the shock brought about by clenching. Visit our family dentists today!

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