Recurring headaches, neck and/or jaw pain, worn teeth, and a persistent clicking or popping of the jaw joint are all signs of temporomandibular disorder or TMD — often referred to as TMJ. Treating a bite disorder effectively not only restores your dental health, but alleviates the discomfort many patients experience due to painful symptoms.
Fullerton, CA dentists Dr. Kush Patel and Dr. Krutav Patel of Fullerton Craft Smiles will thoroughly evaluate your dental health, looking for signs of a bite problem such as worn and damaged teeth or irritated soft tissues, often the result of teeth grinding.
Common Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ can have a wide range of symptoms, many of which can go undiagnosed without routine dental treatment where we can spot the early signs of developing problems. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to many dental problems, even tooth loss. Symptoms can include:
- Frequent headaches
- Ear pain or feeling of fullness
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Difficulty chewing properly
- Worn or damaged teeth
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
Treatment For TMJ Disorders
Dr. Patel will recommend a personalized treatment plan after a thorough exam and diagnosis of a TMJ disorder. Treatment options will depend on the severity of your dental concern, possible tooth damage and an assessment of your overall lifestyle.
In some cases, reducing stress and improving relaxation and sleep can make a significant difference in the effects of teeth grinding. Dr. Patel frequently recommends the use of a mouth guard during sleep or stressful situations to prevent teeth grinding and help to position the jaw correctly.
Additional treatment options for TMJ can include:
- Restorative dental treatments: for patients with tooth damage, restorative dental treatments may be necessary to repair teeth and restore a comfortable bite. These can include dental crowns, dental veneers or tooth bonding.
- Orthodontics: if misaligned teeth are the cause of your bite problem, Dr. Patel may recommend orthodontic treatment to balance the bite.