If you have pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area, find it difficult to open your mouth wide, or experience frequent neck aches and headaches, you may have TMJ. Upper shoulder pain, tenderness around the ears, and clicking or popping sounds in the joint when the jaw is opened or closed are other symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
The primary causes of TMJ dysfunction are multifactorial, but many scientists believe that symptoms occur when there is a misalignment of the jaw or when a patient has bruxism. If you have a habit of clenching your teeth, have arthritis, or you have endured any type of injury or trauma to the mouth and jaw, you may develop symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
Patients with a habit of grinding their teeth at night are at risk for wearing down their teeth and suffering from the effects of a bite misalignment. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can severely damage the teeth and cause an uneven bite. Living with these problems can lead to difficulty chewing and may cause jaw pain over time. We can break a teeth grinding habit by fitting patients with an oral device or nightguard.
Many patients diagnosed with TMJ in Thomasville, GA can benefit from a bite adjustment, or occlusal adjustment. This may involve modifying the shape of the teeth to ensure they come together properly upon closing. The process involves biting down on a thin piece of Mylar paper, which transfers color to the areas where contact occurs. Interferences in the way teeth fit together can cause tooth and jaw pain and lead to TMJ problems. We smooth out the places where marks have been left by removing just a small amount of tooth structure, eliminating the discomfort and providing relief from symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
.
We believe you deserve to be completely comfortable with the dental process, and we believe in offering the best possible technology we can to ensure your needs are met. In fact, we are the only dental practice in the region to offer X imaging. Every year, we invest in continuing education to ensure you receive the latest advances.