Damage to the teeth or jaw, bite misalignment and teeth grinding can all contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. When the joint connecting the jaw to the skull becomes damaged, this is referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), and can cause stiffness, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and general pain and discomfort in the jaw and ear area.
If you are living with TMJ pain, treatment options are available. The dentists at Cross Road Dental have years of experience helping patients ease their discomfort with compassionate and effective care.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, puts constant stress on the teeth and joints, causing symptoms similar to those of TMD. These symptoms may include wear or damage to the teeth, or jaw joint pain. For this reason, we often see patients that visit us for symptoms of bruxism, but are actually suffering from TMD. Our dentists will thoroughly examine your specific circumstances to determine the best treatment to meet your needs.
Night Guards
Night guards may be an effective treatment for patients who grind their teeth in their sleep. The guard is a plastic piece customized to fit the shape of your teeth. You wear it while you sleep to stop the teeth from grinding together.
Occlusal Adjustments
For patients who experience TMJ pain associated with a bad bite pattern, an occlusal adjustment may be a life-changing treatment option. Not only does this correct the bite, making the smile healthier and more attractive, but it can also address the source of your TMJ pain.