TMJ/TMD THERAPY

A woman is holding her face in pain because of a toothache.

WHAT IS BRUXISM?

For many patients, habitual teeth grinding can cause TMD. Bruxism most commonly occurs while the patient sleeps and can be difficult to diagnose. Chronic teeth grinding can damage the teeth, gums, and bite.

TEETH GRINDING

Patients who grind their teeth in their sleep frequently show excessive wear on their teeth. Grinding can crack or wear down teeth creating an uneven and uncomfortable bite. Teeth grinding may also cause daily headaches, drowsiness, and pain in the jaw muscles.

BITE ALIGNMENT

A healthy, comfortable bite is properly aligned. When the bite is misaligned patients often experience painful symptoms that can make it difficult to chew or speak. Bite alignment may also cause aesthetic concerns that patients will want to correct. Bite alignment is essential for a healthy, well-functioning bite. Kanning Dental monitors patients bite alignment through comprehensive evaluations and exams. Realigning crooked teeth can help bring the bite into a more comfortable alignment alleviating jaw pain.

TREATMENT

Our Kanning Dental care team provides treatment options for realigning the bite and bringing harmony to the jaw joint. Treatment will vary depending on the unique needs and concerns of each patient. Your Kanning dentist will help you form a treatment plan to address your personal dental health concerns for optimal comfort and function of your bite.

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMD is a chronic condition affecting the function and health of the temporomandibular joint. The TMJ joint connects the jaw to the skull. When damaged, stressed, or injured, the TMJ can cause painful symptoms making it difficult for the patient to chew and speak comfortably, and may begin to affect the quality of their life. Kanning Dental provides thorough bite analysis and dental health exams in our Lawson and Richmond dentist offices. Our personalized treatment plans address the cause of the patient’s concerns and help treat the root cause of dental health problems. If a patient is suffering from TMJ symptoms, we offer options for bringing the bite into alignment to relieve the patient from the chronic side effects of TMD.

TMJ THERAPY FAQs

  • What Is the Best Treatment for TMJ?

    The answer will depend on the severity of your TMJ issues, who you consult with, and your health history. There is no catch-all standard TMJ treatment. Your dentist will first need to review your TMJ issues to recommend the most relevant treatment for your needs. Most patients start with splint and TMJ guards, but this can change.

  • What Happens if TMJ Is Left Untreated?

    If a TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can become more severe. Your jaw will become painful to use every time you eat. You can also develop severe daily migraines. Although, this is not always the case. Some patients have a very mild case of TMJ disorder, while others can not function on a daily basis with it. It is best to seek a diagnosis from a trusted TMJ specialist before assuming that you can live with it.

  • Do TMJ Disorders Go Away on Their Own?

    No. A TMJ disorder does not go away without treating the symptoms. It is very rare for this disorder to just go away without any kind of treatment or steps taken to alleviate the symptoms. Your dentist can help you manage your symptoms at home, and with proven treatments.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Kanning Dental welcomes new patients to our Lawson and Richmond offices. If you have been away from the dentist and are seeking compassionate, personalized care for your needs, look no further. Our dental care team works with anxious patients and can help you restore your oral health.

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