If you have TMJ symptoms, someone might say, “it’s all in your head.” Technically, that’s true, but the discomfort is real. TMJ disorder can really take a damper on your life. From morning headaches and jaw pain to neck pain, TMJ pain can deteriorate the quality of life. But guess what? You can get TMJ pain relief by visiting a TMJ dentist near Fairmount, West Virginia. At All Smiles Dental, our dentists have the skills, experience, and technology to manage your jaw pain for a painless lifestyle.
TMJ pain explained
On either side of your jaw, you have the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — a hinge-like joint that connects your lower jaw to the skull. Your TMJ is flexible enough to enable your jaw to move up, down, and sideways, allowing you to chew, eat, laugh, and yawn seamlessly.
When your TMJ works optimally, you may not notice its presence. Unfortunately, injury, inflammation, and stress may alter the way your TMJ functions. As a result, you may experience numerous undesirable symptoms, like:
- Facial pain that radiates to your neck and shoulders
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Clicking sounds when using your jaws
- Jaw stiffness
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dental damage, including worn-down teeth
TMJ disorder may exhibit symptoms on one side of the face or both. But whatever the case, this condition can be a source of pain and discomfort.
Non-invasive treatment of TMJ disorder
Treating TMJ disorder doesn’t always end up with surgery. If you show up in our office with TMJ pain symptoms, our dentists will examine your mouth using radiographs and CT scans to establish the condition of your jaw and joints. If we diagnose you with TMJ disorder, we recommend a custom-made device worn at night, just like a nightguard. This dental splint puts your jaws in an optimal position, relieving pressure on the jaw muscles and joints.
After using our dental device over time, your “tensed” jaw muscles heal, and you can now wake up to refreshed mornings — no headaches, jaw pain, or funny noises in your jaw!
Alongside a dental device, our dentists may also recommend the below treatments to manage your jaw pain:
- Jaw exercises and massage
- Orthodontic treatment to correct your bite
- Stress management
- Home remedies, including cold compress and eating soft foods
- Anti-inflammatory medication if arthritis is the cause
Ready to overcome TMJ pain in Fairmount, WV? Please call 304-623-9188 to book an appointment with All Smiles Dental for a simple, non-invasive treatment.
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