Clenching and grinding is rampant in our society, I think, today, and that’s probably the fast-paced life we live and stressors and things like that, but it’s super common. But most of the time, we’re just completely unaware that’s happening until, unfortunately, the body breaks down enough where our jaw joint starts to hurt or we start to get some jaw symptoms there. You know, and so, then it’s a matter of kinda stepping back to see the underlying cause and, you know, things can be done with simple bite appliances to reprogram the jaw muscles, to reprogram the jaw position, to take and relieve some of that nerve pain. And then ultimately, you know, using restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry together to, you know, improve the bite or improve the smile of the wear and tear that’s happened from the clinching and grinding.
Relieve Jaw Tension With TMJ Treatment in Cave Creek, AZ
If you haven’t had an anatomy class, you may not know that your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jaw to your skull. You’ll certainly know if they’ve become painful and inflamed, though, because you use them for everyday activities like eating and laughing. Fortunately, we can relieve your pain with TMJ treatment in Cave Creek, AZ.
Our treatment will:
- Use a drug-free method to relieve pressure on your jaw so it can heal
- Assess your bite and other factors that may contribute to your pain
- Relieve symptoms like headaches and earaches
- Prevent pain from spreading from your jaw to your neck, shoulders, and other areas
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain or other symptoms, call us at 480-420-9562.
Eliminate Pressure on Your Jaw With a Custom Night Guard
More than 10 million people in the U.S. have TMJ disorder.
Source.
He’ll fit you for a custom night guard by making impressions of your teeth. Unlike a store-bought night guard, it will fit you perfectly. With a custom fit, you won’t be tempted to leave it on your nightstand instead of wearing it.
Dr. Roderick will also determine whether there are any contributing factors that may need treatment. For example, we may be able to fix a bite problem with Invisalign orthodontics.
While jaw pain is the primary symptom of a TMJ disorder, or TMD, it isn’t the only one. See us for help if you experience these symptoms along with jaw pain:
- Swollen face, especially around your jaw
- Lockjaw, or difficulty opening your mouth
- Frequent unexplained headaches or earaches
- Pain in your neck and shoulders
For TMJ treatment in Cave Creek, AZ, call 480-420-9562. You can also schedule online.
TMJ problems typically won’t go away without treatment. TMJ pain is usually caused when the joints in your jaw become inflamed. This commonly occurs because of two habits that put your jaw under pressure: clenching and teeth grinding. We can make a custom mouthguard for you that will stop these behaviors. Then your jaw can heal. You may also be helped by orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, which can correct bite problems.
We understand you want to end the pain caused by a TMJ disorder as soon as you can. The truth is that treatment can take weeks or months depending on the severity of your situation and what needs to be done. For most patients, an oral appliance is a perfect solution to this problem. For others, orthodontics or restorations may be needed to realign teeth to eliminate grinding in the long term.
Because these oral devices fit over your upper and lower teeth, they keep you from involuntarily clenching and grinding your teeth together while you sleep. This can alleviate the pressure on your jaw, reduce painful symptoms of TMJ disorder, allow the joint to heal naturally, and protect your tooth enamel from damage.