For many of our patients, a sore jaw could be a warning sign of a dental health issue. At Lake Orion Family Dentistry, Dr. Brad Greenfield offers comfortable and minimally invasive treatment options for addressing , or TMD.
What is TMD?
This disorder affects the temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints. These connect your jaw to the skull, allowing the movement necessary to eat and speak. When they undergo inordinate amounts of stress, patient may develop jaw strain. This causes TMD to occur. Without treatment, patients may eventually have difficulty opening and closing their mouths. Multiple factors can place strain on the jaw joints, including:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Malocclusion
- Tooth loss
- Trauma to the jaw or face
The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
How do you know if you require treatment of this jaw joint issue? There are a number of symptoms to watch for, including:
- Sore jaw
- Chronic headaches
- Popping or clicking in the jaw
- Earaches or tinnitus
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tooth sensitivity and toothaches
Do you recognize one or more of these symptoms? If so, you should schedule a consultation. Addressing the symptoms early is vital for avoiding pain when eating or speaking.
Treatment Options
How do you treat TMD? First, Dr. Greenfield will carefully exam your jaw. After assessing the cause and severity of your disorder, he can recommend treatment. In some cases, you may simply need to change your daily habits. This could include not chewing on hard or chewy objects, as the repetitive actions can exacerbate symptoms. You can also apply a warm compress to the side of your face to ease tension. Dr. Greenfield can also treat this problem with an oral appliance. Worn at night and similar in appearance to a mouthguard, this device repositions the jaw to ease tension and reduce symptoms.
About Your Lake Orion Dentist
Dr. Brad Greenfield offers our patients access to the latest in holistic dentistry. You can visit Dr. Greenfield’s office in Lake Orion at 248-693-6213 to schedule a dental appointment for a dental implant consultation. We offer comprehensive dentistry services to patients in Lake Orion and surrounding communities.
