Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Are you suffering from pain around your jaw or chronic headaches? TMD, caused by dysfunction in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and/or muscles of mastication can be debilitating. Chronic pain, headaches, and damage to your teeth can make living daily life difficult.
Thankfully, there are custom solutions for your TMD pain. Here at Precision Dental Group, we offer a comprehensive approach to your TMD, complete with custom nightguards and comprehensive analysis of your bite. Call us in Hillsborough to get started today.
What Is TMD?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the TMJ—the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint—and the surrounding muscles that control chewing and movement. When the TMJ is strained or misaligned, patients may experience jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, stiffness, headaches, and even difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Because the jaw is connected to many other muscles and systems in the body, TMD can impact more than just your oral health. Patients often find that their comfort and quality of life can suffer, too.
What Causes TMD?
TMD can result from several different factors, often combining over time to put stress on the jaw joint. Common causes include:
Teeth grinding or clenching
Misaligned bites
Stress-related muscle tension
Injury to the jaw
Arthritis and joint degeneration may also play a role in some patients.
Identifying the source of TMD is essential, which is why we use advanced diagnostics at Precision Dental Group to uncover the underlying cause. Once identified, we can create a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve your discomfort and restore proper function.
Occlusal Guards for Pain Relief
One way we prevent TMJ pain is through custom-made occlusal guards, or mouth guards. Mouth guards mimic a change to your bite to help relieve pressure and encourage your jaw to relax.
You can wear these throughout the day or just during the night, depending on the severity of your condition. We will advise you on how and when to wear the guard. Using our advanced imaging technology, we can take digital impressions to create your custom mouth guard.
Prevent Bruxism and Tooth Grinding
Our custom guards also prevent damage or pain caused by bruxism, which is when you grind your teeth. Bruxism most commonly occurs while you are sleeping, but it can happen while you are awake, especially during times of stress.
Bruxism can cause TMJ pain or exacerbate a pre-existing condition. Along with pain, it can wear down your teeth as you clench them, leading to other dental issues such as shorter teeth, worn out enamel, sensitivity, and nerve damage.
Botox for TMD
Botox is not just for cosmetic enhancement. Botox can also be used for TMD pain. When placed around the muscles you use to chew, it can lessen how much pressure your jaw is able to generate, helping your jaw to relax.
We will advise you on whether an occlusal guard or Botox will help your case the most. Sometimes a combination of the two will be most helpful.
Relieve Your TMD Pain with Us
TMD or pain in your TMJ can be debilitating, altering how you live your life and how you smile. Our advanced technology and compassionate team will help you find the right solutions for your needs. Schedule an appointment at Precision Dental Group in Hillsborough, NJ, today.
