While it’s easy to dismiss facial discomfort as only natural, this tension could be a symptom of an underlying condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder/TMD). When too much pressure is put on your jaw muscles, it can cause a variety of problems that impact your everyday life. That’s why Dr. Gabriel is proud to provide TMJ therapy for patients whose jaw muscles feel strained, weakened, or tense.
TMD or TMJ Disorder is a common condition where your jaw muscles are constantly strained and overworked. While symptoms vary depending on the severity of a patient’s case, this disorder is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain, and teeth grinding. TMJ Disorder can be caused by a number of factors, including previous injury, bite misalignment, and stress. If not treated, the condition can gradually wear out the jaw and cause it to feel constantly tense, even while you’re sleeping or trying to relax.
While there isn’t a single definitive cause of TMD, cases are usually the result of excessive stress on the jaw muscle. Patients can experience a wide range of symptoms depending on their circumstances, but treatment is usually focused on relieving jaw strain.
Other proven causes of TMD include:
If you experience any discomfort in your jaw, it’s important to visit a qualified dentist such as Dr. Gabriel to receive proper treatment and avoid potentially worse TMD symptoms.
It’s important to identify your TMD symptoms and not write them off as normal facial pain. If you are suffering from the following issues, reach out to our Wexford office to schedule an initial consultation. Thankfully, Dr. Gabriel can relieve your pain through TMJ therapy.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? Dr. Gabriel can help determine the cause of your issues and find a treatment plan that works for you. Call (724) 935-2100 to learn more.
Custom-made oral appliances or bite splints can alleviate the pain caused by TMD. While they won’t fix your jaw issue, these non-invasive devices are a great first step towards relief. Typical oral appliances include mouthguards, which you’ll wear while sleeping. Dr. Gabriel will work with you to find the source of your TMD, but relieving your pain comes first.
Physical therapy and daily jaw exercises can help relieve your TMJ pain and improve the health of your jaw muscles. Specific routines can stretch and strengthen your jaw to provide greater mobility and remedy any discomfort. If done consistently, these therapies can help relax the jaw and promote healing of the muscles.
Clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep can be the result of stress in your life. Learning to relax your facial muscles can save you from future pain and additional oral health problems. Relaxation can be achieved with lifestyle changes such as meditation and jaw exercises. Dr. Gabriel can also refer you to a professional who can inject your jaws with Botox® or a similar product to relax your muscles and increase movement.
The main cause of TMD is damage that’s sustained by the joint cartilage or disk which cushions the jaw bone. There are various reasons why this can happen, including arthritis, injury, or teeth grinding (bruxism). Since there are multiple root causes for TMD, Dr. Gabriel will examine your unique case and determine which treatment option is right for you.
Your TMD symptoms won’t go away without professional treatment. If you ignore the pain, you risk developing further complications with your jaw muscle and joints. These may require you to undergo more invasive procedures. It’s important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gabriel as soon as possible if you believe you may be suffering from TMD.
Along with your teeth, dentists are also concerned with the health of your jaw. Dr. Gabriel can determine the root cause of your TMD by evaluating your oral health. Experienced dentists are trained and highly familiar with these areas, so Dr. Gabriel will be able to easily spot any abnormalities.
Dr. Gabriel can provide a variety of treatment options from our Wexford office. Since every patient’s case of TMD is different, he’ll tailor your treatment plan to fit your unique situation.