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TMD/TMJ Treatment
Get TMJ Treatment, New Mexico, at Farmington, NM, And Rio Rancho
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the lower joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. Frequent or overuse of these joints can result in a TMD or temporomandibular disorder.
TMJ issues can be tough to live with and make daily life difficult. The frequent headaches caused by a TMD can make it harder for patients to focus or find enjoyment in day-to-day activities. Fortunately, TMJ/TMDs are entirely treatable and can heal over time. With TMJ treatment, NM from the Sundance team you trust, you’ll be able to feel comfortable again and experience more excellent jaw and smile health.
Signs And Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD
The exact cause of a temporomandibular joint disorder is challenging to determine because various factors are at play. Many events can lead to TMJ/TMD, from genetics to jaw injury or bruxism. However, sure physical signs can help determine if you need TMJ treatment in New Mexico.
A temporomandibular disorder is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that include:
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw aches
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Pain in the neck and shoulders
Apart from knowing these TMJ/TMD signs, understanding risk factors that increase the disorder’s probability can play a crucial role in preventing it. Certain aspects that increase the risk of developing TMJ/TMD include:
- Poor neck posture and slouching
- Clenching of the jaw due to stress
- Prevalence of arthritis
- Injury in jaw
- Connective tissue diseases that may affect the joint causing TMJ/TMD
If you are experiencing headaches, soreness when you open or close your jaw or any of the symptoms, you might want to come to our office for a TMJ/TMD evaluation.
Alleviate Your TMD Symptoms With Treatment From Your Sundance Dental Team
Temporomandibular joint disorders are often caused by bruxism or tooth grinding but may also have other causes. When you come into our office for a TMJ/TMD evaluation, we will determine the cause of your TMD and use that information to prescribe the best possible TMJ treatment. Each patient is different and has unique needs. Therefore, we will tailor a treatment plan at Sundance Dental and Orthodontics to accommodate you. Treatment may include adjusting the bite, reconstruction, or other restorative measures. For example, if the source of your TMJ disorder is bruxism, we may offer you a unique mouthpiece that will prevent you from grinding your teeth at night and help alleviate your symptoms.
Call us at our office if you have been experiencing jaw pain and would like to schedule an evaluation. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have or to arrange a consultation if you are in the Farmington NM, Rio Rancho NM, Bloomfield NM, or Gallup NM area!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions but prefer not to call? Browse our FAQs for quick answers and a better understanding of our dental office and services.
TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when the temporomandibular joint connecting the jawbone to the skull becomes inflamed, misaligned, or strained. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping, frequent headaches or migraines, ear pain or ringing, difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully, and tension in the face, neck, or shoulders. It’s important to seek treatment early to prevent long-term complications.
TMJ disorder can occur due to several reasons, including teeth grinding, bite misalignment, arthritis, jaw injury or trauma, and cartilage wear and tear.
At Sundance Dental & Orthodontics, we take a conservative, non-surgical approach to treating TMJ disorder. We utilize several treatment options adjusted to meet the needs of the patient. Treatment options include custom oral appliances, bite adjustments, orthodontic treatment for alignment, muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stiffness, and lifestyle modifications to manage stress and dietary changes.
For some patients, mild TMJ symptoms may improve with self-care. Your dentists will recommend certain actions to take, such as avoiding hard foods, applying heat/cold packs, and managing stress. However, persistent jaw pain, clicking, or limited movement may indicate a chronic condition that requires professional treatment.
If you experience any of the associated symptoms of TMJ, schedule a consultation with us at Sundance Dental 7 Orthodontics. Our team will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment plan.