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Reno TMJ Treatment
TMJ or temporal-mandibular joint, when misaligned, can cause a myriad of issues.
What is TMJ?
TMJ refers to the temporal-mandibular joint. When misaligned, this joint can cause a myriad of issues. The TMJ is the joint located on either side of the skull that allows movement for the jaw. When this joint becomes misaligned, it causes an imbalance that puts stress on the jaw and typically results in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMJ disorders can be caused by teeth grinding or clenching, or misalignment of the teeth or jaw and may also be caused by trauma or muscle tension.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
The most common symptoms are inflammation around the jaw and chronic pain. Pain may be found in various parts of the body due to the TMJ disorder, but it more typically causes orofacial pain. This type of pain is described as being any pain that is felt in the mouth, jaw, and face. Interestingly, about 95% of orofacial pain is a result of dental causes, and the second most common cause is due to TMD. In addition to these symptoms, you may also notice:
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or biting down
- Popping or clicking noise when opening and closing mouth
- Tooth sensitivity to warm or cold temperatures
- Dull pain throughout the face
- Migraines or headaches
- Jaw, neck, or shoulder pain
- Ringing or pain in the ears
- Locking of the jaw joint
TMJ disorders can be very painful, causing discomfort when eating, sleeping, and talking. Luckily, our Reno dental office provides many solutions, including the use of medications, therapy, and other alternatives which may depend on the severity of the condition.
TMJ Treatments in Reno
In the treatment of TMJ, there is no one solution that can work for all cases. In some instances, a plastic mouthpiece can be fitted to your mouth to stop clenching or grinding. Other dental treatments for TMJ include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, filling in gaps between teeth, or adjusting the bite. At Reno Dental Associates, we will work towards figuring out which Reno TMJ treatment will be the best for you.
If TMJ is left untreated, treatments such as replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, filling gaps between teeth, adjusting the bite, and a slew of other potential conditions may occur. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Mouthpieces should be considered as an option for preventing the action of clenching and grinding of one’s teeth. If not treated soon, the problem could be taken to extremes, leading to surgery to repair the badly damaged joints.
How You Can Help Your TMJ at Home
There are several lifestyle changes and home therapy options available to patients to further help with their TMJ symptoms. Some of them include:
- Heat and Cold therapy
- Stretching and massaging of the jaw muscles
- Limiting the use of the jaw muscles (eating soft foods, no gum chewing, and taking smaller bites)
- Relaxation techniques to alleviate pain
Improve Your Oral Health
with Reno Dental Associates
Our Reno, Nevada dental associates are knowledgeable and experienced in solving cases of TMJ. See how we can help you get your TMJ disorder under control today!