Choosing from various TMJ treatment options near Auburn Hills is easy when you have the facts
TMJ disorder is a problem in which many of the symptoms are attributed to some other condition. For instance, many people with TMJ disorder suffer from chronic headaches that may feel very much like tension headaches. As such, the condition may be misdiagnosed or simply thought to be tension. In such an instance, the underlying cause of headaches (the Temporomandibular joints) is never treated.
TMJ disorder occurs when the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull become dysfunctional. There are several ways in which this condition may begin, ranging from injury to misalignment in the bite. The symptoms of the condition may include a pop or click when the jaw opens and closes, limited range of motion, or discomfort and pain. More extensive symptoms like headaches or ear pain are possible because, in TMJ disorder, the muscles and ligaments that wrap around the head and neck are also involved, stressed as the joints attempt to fit together as they should.
Due to the wide variation in symptoms from one person to another, TMJ disorder is often left to fester. Some even think that this condition will clear up on its own with time and rest. Others believe that surgery is the only way to really resolve this disorder. At Metropolitan Dental Center, we know there is a middle ground, and we take the time to find it.
Standard dental therapy for TMJ disorder includes a number of lifestyle modifications. Patients may be advised to stop chewing gum and rest the jaw as much as possible. Cold packs may be used to alleviate pain, and stretching exercises may be prescribed. Some patients are advised to find ways to reduce stress, especially if there are signs of clenching or grinding teeth. In addition to rehabilitating the jaw itself, conventional therapy involves the use of an oral appliance that looks very much like a mouth guard worn during sporting activities.
The extensively trained team at Metropolitan Dental Center sees the value in conventional therapies, but also sees where they may fall short. We understand that, sometimes, TMJ disorder develops because teeth do not fit together properly due to excessive wear, and simply building up a tooth to a proper size and shape will alleviate stress on the joints. Every person is different, and it is our practice to use advanced technology like CT-scan imaging to identify the cause of undue TMJ stress. From this point, we are able to design a plan that addresses this stress, and return the patient to a fully functional, pain-free state.
To learn how you can correct TMJ disorder, contact Metropolitan Dental Center at .
TMJ disorder occurs when the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull become dysfunctional. There are several ways in which this condition may begin, ranging from injury to misalignment in the bite. The symptoms of the condition may include a pop or click when the jaw opens and closes, limited range of motion, or discomfort and pain. More extensive symptoms like headaches or ear pain are possible because, in TMJ disorder, the muscles and ligaments that wrap around the head and neck are also involved, stressed as the joints attempt to fit together as they should.
Due to the wide variation in symptoms from one person to another, TMJ disorder is often left to fester. Some even think that this condition will clear up on its own with time and rest. Others believe that surgery is the only way to really resolve this disorder. At Metropolitan Dental Center, we know there is a middle ground, and we take the time to find it.
Standard dental therapy for TMJ disorder includes a number of lifestyle modifications. Patients may be advised to stop chewing gum and rest the jaw as much as possible. Cold packs may be used to alleviate pain, and stretching exercises may be prescribed. Some patients are advised to find ways to reduce stress, especially if there are signs of clenching or grinding teeth. In addition to rehabilitating the jaw itself, conventional therapy involves the use of an oral appliance that looks very much like a mouth guard worn during sporting activities.
The extensively trained team at Metropolitan Dental Center sees the value in conventional therapies, but also sees where they may fall short. We understand that, sometimes, TMJ disorder develops because teeth do not fit together properly due to excessive wear, and simply building up a tooth to a proper size and shape will alleviate stress on the joints. Every person is different, and it is our practice to use advanced technology like CT-scan imaging to identify the cause of undue TMJ stress. From this point, we are able to design a plan that addresses this stress, and return the patient to a fully functional, pain-free state.
To learn how you can correct TMJ disorder, contact Metropolitan Dental Center at .