Damage or injury to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) causes TMJ disorders. These bite disorders cause pain and discomfort. The temporomandibular joints connect the skull and jawbone. When these joints are worn or damaged, patients experience headaches, toothaches, and jaw pain.
Our TMJ treatment restores the smile and stops further complications or damage caused by bite disorders. Unfortunately, many patients who do not receive immediate treatment for their TMJ disorders can experience worsening symptoms. Dr. Stan Nova and his team recommend care sooner than later to prevent severe TMD, which can lead to broken or worn teeth.
Common Signs of TMJ Disorders
The symptoms of TMD can include:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Earaches
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Pain when chewing
Contact our dental office if you notice any of these signs of TMD. We will thoroughly examine your smile and find any areas of tooth damage.
TMJ Treatment in Gaithersburg, MD
For many patients with TMD, we recommend custom nightguards. Nightguards keep the teeth from clenching or grinding. Many TMD patients experience bruxism when asleep or under stress. Wearing a nightguard protects the tooth enamel and takes the pressure off the jaw.
Additionally, nightguards can minimize jaw pain and headaches caused by bruxism. We take digital dental impressions to create custom, high-quality acrylic nightguards. Our dentists can adjust the nightguard as needed to ensure patient comfort.
In addition to wearing a nightguard, many patients benefit from physical therapy. Learning exercises that rest the jaw and release tension in the back and shoulders helps improve TMD symptoms. Patients also benefit from a soft diet for several weeks to relieve stress and pressure on the jaw. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods allows jaw muscles and joints to rest.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have tooth or jaw pain? Does it hurt your jaw when you eat hard foods? Treat your TMD symptoms at Nova Dental today. Call (240) 226-1482 or request a dental appointment with our dentists on our website. Do not hesitate to ask us questions about bite disorders or your symptoms at your next visit.
