If you have been suffering with:
- grinding teeth while sleeping
- ringing in your ears
- jaw pain
- neck pain
- dizziness
- headaches
You may have Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). It’s a big phrase for saying that the joint your jaw—or, mandible—hinges on is experiencing some dysfunction. You may be experiencing serious pain and discomfort, but luckily for Bethlehem residents, treatment can be found nearby at Advanced Prosthodontics.
Reasons you may be experiencing symptoms of TMJ:
- misaligned teeth
- stress
- injury
For misaligned teeth, the typical necessary treatment is alignment. These do not have to require surgery. Aligning teeth can remove the trigger for grinding, as well as the causes of pain.
It is extremely important to stop teeth grinding as this can damage teeth in an entirely different way. The jawbone can become affected and teeth can loosen.
Stress alone will not cause TMJ—there has to be something structural as well—but it can significantly worsen episodes of it. Mindfulness and relaxation can be important parts of a treatment plan for TMJ. For severe cases, muscle relaxants may help decrease jaw and neck pain.
Injuries that have affected the cartilage surrounding the jaw can also contribute to episodes of TMJ. These injuries were likely a traumatic, sudden impact.
Seeking Treatment for TMJ in Bethlehem, PA
For those who decide to seek treatment in Bethlehem, PA, Dr. Ronald T. Hersh at Advanced Prosthodontics is experienced in diagnosing TMJ and realigning misaligned teeth.
Patients can expect to have a full history is taken and x-rays completed to assist with the diagnosis. This will help pinpoint whether Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction is really the cause of a patient’s jaw pain, dizziness, neck pain, headaches, and teeth grinding.
Treatment may include several different steps. To avoid further damage from grinding, a bite guard or muscle relaxing medication may be prescribed. While working to align the teeth, some may need to be restored, while others moved into the proper position. These steps can be taken with non-surgical methods.
Noticed yourself or a partner’s teeth grinding at night? Experiencing unexplained headaches and jaw pain? If your jaw pain becomes worse with stress or you have sustained an injury to your jaw previously, it’s time to talk to a professional. You may have Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction, but treatment is locally available, non-surgical, and affordable.
Call (610) 865-4222 for an appointment with Dr. Hersh at Advanced Prosthodontics to get a jump on fixing your TMJ today.