TMD/TMJ Pain & Sleep Appliances
Jaw pain can be a sign of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ is shorthand for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls many jaw functions, like chewing. If the chewing muscles or the joint itself are causing you pain, you may have temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. TMD/TMJ problems can be caused by stress, continual clenching of the jaw muscles or teeth grinding. Symptoms may include:
- Pain when opening or closing mouth
- Trouble chewing
- Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
- Headaches or ear pain
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
Many of these symptoms are associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if your condition is TMD. Teeth grinding is an especially problematic symptom because prolonged teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause enamel to wear off teeth and make them more susceptible to decay.
If you suspect you may have TMD, come in for a consultation. We can help diagnose you and provide relief for your symptoms. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short-term methods to provide relief for pain symptoms. Night guards can help prevent or lessen the effects of teeth grinding at night. This can lead to a more permanent solution. In severe cases of TMD, surgery may be required, but behavioral treatments to change the way you use your jaw muscles are usually enough to provide relief. We can treat your condition and create special dental appliances that reduce snoring and sleep apnea, as well.
Find effective treatment for TMD/TMJ pain at Crescent City Smiles. Call 504-282-5062 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. Patients come to us for TMD/TMJ relief from New Orleans (NOLA), Jefferson, Metairie, Kenner, Gentilly, Lakeview, Eastern New Orleans, Pontchartrain, Lake Terrace Park and close-by areas.
