Do you wake up with jaw pain? Does it feel like your jaw sometimes makes eating hard or crunchy foods difficult? You may have a TMJ disorder (TMD). TMJ disorders occur when the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect the skull to the jaw bone are injured or under stress. TMJ disorders can create pain in the teeth and jaw and lead to teeth clenching and grinding. Our dental office provides TMJ treatment for patients in Colmar, PA, to help them restore tooth function and comfort to their smile.
What are the Common Signs of TMD?
Many patients with TMJ disorders experience the following:
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Pain or difficulty biting and chewing
Please get in touch with our office if you notice any of these issues or have dealt with chronic TMJ problems. It’s important to address symptoms before they worsen over time.
TMJ Treatment in Colmar, PA
One of the most effective treatment options for TMD is nightguards. Custom-made nightguards are made of hard acrylic that covers the upper or lower tooth arch. Before we provide nightguards, we will test the bite to see which areas of the bite are uneven or worn. We will take dental impressions of the smile to ensure a custom fit. Once the nightguard is complete, we will ensure it fits comfortably on the teeth and lays evenly against the uncovered upper or lower arch. Wearing a nightguard can prevent bruxism or teeth clenching and grinding. The nightguard can also prevent tooth wear and headaches that many patients experience from continual clenching and grinding during sleep.
We may also recommend physical therapy and a soft diet for patients with TMD. During physical therapy, patients learn how to stretch and relax muscles contributing to TMD in the face, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, and arms. Poor posture can exacerbate symptoms, and attending physical therapy can help patients in their everyday life. Sticking to a soft diet for several weeks can prevent jaw pain and dysfunction. Hard or crunchy foods can also strain the TMJ and jaw joints.
Treat TMJ Disorders Today
Do you often experience pain or difficulty chewing? Do you wake up with headaches or jaw pain? Call Dental Health Group for a TMJ consultation today at (215) 774-6702. You may also request a dental appointment with our dental team online.