TMD Can Literally Be A Pain In The Neck

jawpainwomansweaterDealing with consistent discomfort can wreak havoc with your daily ability to enjoy life and move comfortably through your schedule. When you suffer from jaw discomfort, for example, you might start to recognize additional symptoms that don’t necessarily add up. This is because pain or irritation does not always remain in one place. The longer you ignore your discomfort, the greater your chances of suffering from physical damage. Fortunately, there is an answer to reducing your jaw tension: TMJ treatment. This dental service offers you the preventive solution you need to regain daily comfort, while protecting your smile.

What’s Happening With TMJ Disorder

You have probably heard of TMJ disorder (TMD) and may recognize that the problem refers to your jaw. However, becoming familiar with the details will give you a clearer understanding of what is really going on. Everyone has two TMJs. These are your jaw joints located on either side of your head. They connect your lower jaw to the rest of your cranium, allowing you to open your mouth and move your jaw from side to side. Sometimes, one or both TMJs stop functioning at their best. Dentists are still a bit fuzzy on the exact reason this occurs. However, they can identify symptoms and offer effective treatment.

Your Neck And Other Affected Areas

TMD affects your jaw joints, commonly resulting in tension, discomfort, pain, tenderness, and symptoms like popping, clicking, and temporary locking when opening or closing your mouth. What you may not realize is that your jaw is supported by a wide variety of surrounding tissues and nerves. When your jaw is tired and sore, you may find your neck and shoulders feel sore, too. You may also experience ringing in your ears, earaches, and headaches.

How To Solve Your Problem
Dealing with discomfort that radiates from your jaw may feel frustrating. Fortunately, Dr. Richards offers effective, noninvasive TMJ treatment so you can quickly return to comfort. TMJ treatment will include oral appliance therapy. You will wear a comfortable mouthguard at night while you sleep, which will gently reposition your jaw or cushion your bite. This method takes pressure and stress off of your jaw joints, so you can enjoy relaxed TMJs and an improved daily quality of life.

About Your Conroe Dentist
At The Dental Centre of Conroe: John M Richards DDS, we believe in providing the latest amenities and advanced technology to ensure every patient enjoys a comfortable experience. Whether you require cosmetic dentistry for an improved smile or dental prosthetics to replace lost teeth, we can help you and your family achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. To schedule an appointment, call (936) 441-4600. We proudly service residents of Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, The Woodlands, Huntsville, and surrounding communities in the greater Houston area.