Treatment for TMJ in Belchertown
These days, most people feel stressed out or pushed to their limits -- and neck, head, and ear pain are not uncommon. Pressure at work or in life can lead to pressure in your jaw, too, which often causes nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). That’s a sure sign of a larger problem with your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint. Your trusted family dentist, Dr. Mark D. Medaugh, treats TMJ in Belchertown with a removable oral appliance. Keep reading to find out more about this common condition and its treatment, then request an appointment for your jaw pain consultation today!
About TMJ/TMD and Bruxism
TMJ/TMD often occurs as the result of facial trauma, like a blow to the face or other injury. A misaligned bite can also put pressure on the jaw joint, as it must make small adjustments each time you open and close your mouth.
Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, usually occurs alongside TMJ/TMD. It can also be caused by stress and anxiety. Many adults experience brief bouts of bruxism, but when it’s a chronic issue, treatment should be sought to prevent excessive wear and tear of the teeth. In the most extreme cases, bruxism can lead to tooth loss.
TMJ/TMD and bruxism are separate conditions, but they frequently occur together -- and both are often treatable with removable appliance therapy (more on that below).
What Are the Warning Signs?
Watch out for the symptoms of these conditions to ensure you receive the help you need for TMJ/TMD or bruxism in Belchertown as soon as possible. Some of the signs that you are dealing with these issues include…
- Sore jaw
- Clicking, popping jaw
- Observed nighttime teeth grinding
- Restless sleep
- Worn tooth enamel
- Sensitive teeth
- Shifting teeth
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you suspect you are dealing with TMJ/TMD or bruxism -- we want to help!
What’s the Treatment?
Dr. Medaugh treats jaw pain and teeth grinding with a removable oral device. It’s a small, custom-fitted appliance that you wear while you sleep. It works by cushioning the delicate tooth enamel from excessive force and pressure related to clenching and grinding. Similarly, splint therapy protects the teeth while also bringing your bite into the proper position to prevent the occurrence of the jaw clenching and teeth grinding at all.
If certain lifestyle factors are causing your teeth grinding or jaw clenching, it may be a good idea to consider making appropriate changes to reduce stress and anxiety. Many patients have great success by seeking professional treatment for TMJ/TMD and bruxism alongside talk therapy, vigorous exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits.
Suffering From Jaw Pain? Talk to Us Today!
If you are suffering as a result of your painful, clicking jaw, it’s time to seek a solution. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching wears away at your healthy tooth enamel. Find out how we treat TMJ/TMD and bruxism at the Valley Dentists of Belchertown -- request an appointment today!
