The end of the year is around the corner, which is why you should see us soon! There is still time to treat common oral health issues such as TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist talks about how we diagnose and treat issues like TMJ disorder to bring relief.
The Causes and Warning Signs of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder impacts millions of smiles in the United States. The disorder means that your temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw and skull, have undergone excessive strain. This could be brought on by missing teeth, teeth grinding, injury to the jaw or face, or even issues with the growth and development of your smile, or the eruption of the teeth. Once TMD develops, you could suffer from a host of uncomfortable symptoms, as well as trouble fully opening and closing the mouth. Other symptoms include headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and aches in the face, neck, and shoulders. When you experience one or more of the potential warning signs we discussed in today’s blog, please see us right away for a diagnosis!
Diagnosis and Treatment
Our team will use digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to take clear and detailed images of your smile to assess the balance of your bite. We will also look for signs of wear and friction on the teeth. Once we find you need treatment, we will choose the best option for your smile. For some, we could recommend orthodontics to correct misalignment and ease pressure. Bonding, contouring, or custom-made crowns could help improve the overall balance of your bite too. Replacing missing teeth with durable and lifelike dental prosthetic could be helpful too.
But the most common solution is an oral appliance. The device will look and fit much like a simple mouthguard, and is worn as you sleep at night. But being custom-made means it can fit comfortably and then shift your jaw to ease pressure and strain. You avoid painful symptoms and enjoy relief from painful symptoms, such as a popping or clicking in the jaw.
Use Your Benefits
There is still time to see us for treatment, or for a routine checkup and cleaning, so you can end 2022 with a bright and healthy smile. You can also use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of the year. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.
YOUR DES MOINES, IA DENTIST EASES TMD
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a balanced smile. If you have any questions about improving bite balance and avoiding jaw joint strain, then contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist, Dr. Burds, by calling 515-244-9565.