The only way to deal with most oral health concerns is to actively address them. If you have a cavity, it won’t stop growing until you treat it. If you develop gingivitis, it will continue progressing until you manage it. When you have a TMJ disorder, which impacts your jaw joints’ ability to function, the discomfort it causes and the potential damage to your oral structures will also continue to grow worse. Fortunately, your dentist may be able to help you effectively deal with your TMJ disorder in a comfortable and convenient manner.
Understanding what the disorder means
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and the disorder gets its name from the TMJs that control your jaw’s movement. TMJ disorder can describe a variety of different specific concerns with the health and integrity of one or both of these joints. For example, one of the joints might be damaged or become inflamed, making it difficult for it to move as needed when you bite, chew, and speak. The specific nature and extent of your TMJ disorder will be important to determine before your dentist can recommend an appropriate treatment to alleviate it.
Identifying your TMJ symptoms
Because TMJ disorder can describe different specific types of damage to your TMJs, the symptoms that it can cause may also differ between patients. Some may experience popping or clicking sensations in their jaw’s when they bite and chew. Others may develop chronic headaches and migraines, or pain and ringing in their ears (tinnitus). When your dentist identifies your TMJ disorder, it will be easier to identify any chronic aches and pains that are caused by it. With appropriate treatment to restore your TMJs’ healthy function, these symptoms can begin to lessen or disappear.
Getting help from your dentist
The only way to deal with a TMJ disorder is with your dentist’s help. Identifying the specific disorder and its symptoms requires a comprehensive dental examination, and alleviating the discomfort could require addressing more concerns than you realize. For instance, the pain in your jaw may have been caused by an underlying condition such as bruxism, or chronic teeth-grinding. To alleviate your TMJ disorder, you may also have to address your bruxism to stop the pressure that it applies to your jaw joints.
Learn how to deal with your TMJ disorder
If you develop a TMJ disorder, then your dentist may be able to help you alleviate the discomfort with a custom-designed oral appliance. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.
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