Are you living with chronic jaw pain? Unsure who you should turn to for help? While you might think it is best to see a medical physician for this particular problem, you’ll be surprised to learn that your dentist is actually someone who can offer the treatment you need. With TMJ Therapy in Pittsburgh, you can finally achieve relief from the discomfort and start enjoying a better quality of life. Read on to learn how your jaw pain can be a thing of the past when choosing to see a dental professional.
What Causes TMJ?
When the jaw joints on either side of your head become inflamed or no longer function as they should, you can begin to experience intense pain each time you try to open and close your mouth. When left untreated, this discomfort can travel to your neck and shoulders, creating an uncomfortable reality that will not ease without proper care.
But what causes it to occur in the first place? Why does TMJ appear in some individuals and not others?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. In fact, there are multiple reasons why a person can develop TMJ, some of which include:
- Bruxism (i.e., teeth clenching or grinding)
- Misaligned jaw or teeth
- Facial trauma or a dislocated jaw
- Arthritis
The good news is that you don’t have to live with TMJ forever. There are methods of treatment available that can help you say goodbye to the pain.
How a Dentist Can Relieve Jaw Pain
If you think a dentist only works on your teeth and gums, you’re wrong. Dental professionals are equipped and trained to provide a breadth of services once they’ve received the appropriate training. Since the temporomandibular joints are situated within the facial structure, it is not too far out of reach to believe that seeing a dentist for TMJ pain is one of the greatest steps you can take.
Using advanced technologies and equipment designed to map areas of your bite that are improperly balanced, your dentist can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. If caused by tooth or jaw misalignment, you can expect to be recommended for orthodontics. However, if you experience stress in your life that causes you to grind your teeth, they will likely suggest a customized splint to help keep your teeth from touching throughout the night. These devices create a barrier between your teeth to prevent grinding but also move your jaw to a more relaxed position, preventing headaches and increased tension.
By choosing to see a dentist to address your TMJ symptoms, you’ll quickly find that even the most basic tasks are easier to perform (i.e., eating and speaking), and you’ll start to embrace a more positive and enjoyable way of life.
About the Authors
Dr. Joyce Warwick and Dr. John Warwick have more than 60 years of combined experience helping patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. Offering an array of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services, they also pride themselves on the ability to offer patients specialty care in the form of sleep apnea therapy and TMJ/TMD treatment. Using advanced technology and up-to-date techniques, they can help you achieve relief from chronic jaw pain with customized oral appliances. If you are struggling with many of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, contact us at (412) 391-1130.