TMJ Treatment
Bruxism/TMJ Treatment in Kent WA
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, and it is a hinge that joins your jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. This joint allows you to move your jaw side to side and up and down so that you can chew, talk or yawn conveniently. In some cases, there can be problem with the facial muscles and jaw that controls the problem are called the temporomandibular disorder or the temporomandibular joint disorder.
Causes Of TMJ Disorder
- Clenching or grinding of teeth that put immense pressure on the joint
- Movement of the disc or cushion between the socket and ball of the joint
- Arthritis pain in the joint
- Stress that might cause tightening of the jaw or facial muscles or clenching of the teeth
Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder
- Tenderness and pain in the face, neck, jaw joint and in and around the ear
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Jaws that get locked or stuck in the closed or open mouth position
- A clicking, popping or grating sound while opening or closing the mouth or when chewing
TMJ Treatment
- Over-the-counter-drugs: Dentists will prescribe the medications to soothe the dental swelling and pain. He might also suggest you relax the muscles by avoiding the clenching or grinding of the teeth.
- Night guard or splint: It is one of the most recommended TMJ treatments by dentists as a plastic mouthpiece is fit over the lower and upper teeth so that they don’t touch each other. It minimizes the effect of grinding or clenching and helps in improving the bite.
- Dental work: The dentist might replace missing teeth or use bridges or crowns to balance the biting surface of the teeth and correct any bite problems. In most cases, it will solve TMJ problems. Only in severe case, dental surgeries are suggested.
Our Dentists At Seablue Dental Are Trained To Diagnose And Treat Many Of The Following TMJ Conditions :
- Jaw Muscle Pain
- Grinding at Night
- Open Lock Position
- Acute and Chronic Jaw Pain
Seablue Dental Office FAQ
Everyone’s needs are different, so have a chat to your dentist about how often you need to have your teeth checked by them based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums. It’s recommended that children see their dentist at least once a year.
Regular checkups keep you updated with your oral health and help diagnose and timely treatment of any problems developing in your tooth or gums or oral tissues.
You dentist will conduct an exam and x-rays at your dental visits and educate you about your oral health.
Call us at 253-336-3000 or email us at [email protected]
Regular brushing and flossing after every meal should keep the food particles from depositing in crevices of your tooth and hence keeps the harmful bacteria causing the tooth decay in check.
If there is a medical emergency or life threatening condition, call 911 or go to nearest ER.
Sometimes. Contact us for a consultation.
