You should not have a hard time performing basic jaw movements. If you are experiencing issues with stiffness, pain, or sensitivity triggered by these motions, it can be due to an unresolved problem with the joints or muscles resulting in TMJ disorder. There is no single issue that leads to TMJ disorder. It could be a consequence of uneven movement, physical injury, or stress from a teeth grinding habit. If this is an issue that affects you, our Virginia Beach, VA dentist’s office can help. After performing an evaluation, we can determine what can be done to ease tension and reduce problems with pain. Treatment often relies on oral appliance therapy, where a custom appliance is relied on to reduce tension by changing the way your jaw is positioned.
Problems With Stiff Or Painful Jaw Movement Should Be Addressed
If you experience pain or stiffness while moving your jaw, you should be concerned. These problems can occur because your bite is uneven, because there are problems with your joints, or due to stress on the joints and muscles from teeth grinding. Because the trigeminal nerve controls jaw movement as well as sensations in your face, head, and neck, these troubles you have could be connected to ongoing issues with headaches, neck pain, and facial discomfort. At a routine dental checkup, your dentist can spot signs of trouble with TMJ disorder and talk to you about the benefits of treatment.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Corrects Jaw Problems
Through oral appliance therapy, patients can have tension on their joints and muscles eased gradually, putting a stop to ongoing problems. Wearing your oral appliance while you sleep will help you gently correct the position of your lower jaw, alleviating tension and making movement less taxing.
Jaw Problems May Be Linked To Your Teeth Grinding
If you have unresolved problems with teeth grinding, you can continue to struggle with daily aches and pains. You will also be vulnerable to problems with damage to your enamel that can affect your appearance and dental health. A custom oral appliance can keep your teeth apart while you sleep, stopping this problem, bruxism, from having long-term consequences. We can also recommend restorative dental work or cosmetic dental treatment to address damages that have already formed.
Talk To Your Virginia Beach, VA Dentist About TMJ Treatment
Through TMJ treatment, you can address problems that are responsible for ongoing aches and pains that affect your quality of life. Your Virginia Beach, VA dentist, Dr. Folck, can spot signs of TMJ disorder during a routine appointment, or you can schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns about jaw stiffness, pain, headaches, and other issues. To find out more about our practice, as well as the services we offer, contact Absolute Dental Care at (757) 428-7440.
