When you have painful symptoms related to TMJ disorder, or TMD, this could mean your jaw is being strained and your bite is imbalanced. Treatment is crucial for avoiding headaches and other complications. Fortunately, your Katy, TX, dentist can treat TMD concern with disclusion time-reduction (DTR) therapy!
The Factors Behind TMD
How does a disorder like TMD develop? TMJ disorder occurs when the joints between your jaw and skull are strained, leading to an issue that impacts how you open and close your mouth, and also leads to major and permanent discomfort. Factors could include poor bite balance due to tooth loss, or malocclusion that is caused by dental misalignment. Issues with the growth and development of your smile, or even injury to the face or jaw, could be responsible. Untreated bruxism is a factor too!
The Dangers for Your Smile
As we touched on above, this could alter how you open and close your mouth. In addition to issues eating and speaking comfortably, you could develop a host of uncomfortable symptoms too. People with untreated TMJ disorder may report headaches and migraines, jaw and facial aches, and even pain in the neck and shoulders. The strain could also lead to a popping or crackling sensation in your jaw. If the disorder causes bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, you could risk damage to your smile and a higher risk of tooth decay and infection. When you experience symptoms like these, please let us know right away. Our team will begin treatment to help protect your smile from complications.
Treatment with DTR Therapy
With disclusion time-reduction therapy (DTR), our team will conduct an occlusal analysis to assess how the bite fits together and where inordinate pressure is being distributed. From there, we can understand the cause and extent of your TMD, and also recommend treatment. Using the images and information from DTR, we can design and fabricate an oral appliance that you wear as you sleep at night. The device fits comfortably and actually shifts the jaw to ease pressure and strain. You can then avoid discomfort and if you grind your teeth, this helps prevent further damage by putting a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like TMJ disorder, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a more comfortable smile and better oral health for years to come!
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Offers a Chance to Avoid TMD-Related Issues
Don’t live with pain in your head and jaw, talk to our team! For more information on addressing concerns with your bite’s balance, then call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule a visit.
