We can help with your TMJ pain
Are you experiencing severe headaches or pain in your neck or shoulders when you wake up, even though you go to bed at a reasonable time? Have you noticed that your teeth are becoming sensitive and wearing down? If so, you may be dealing with TMJ or bruxism.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) are dental conditions that can cause pain and negatively affect your quality of life. Our bodies are interconnected, so an injury or infection in one area can lead to stress or discomfort in another area.
Dr. Kevin Sambuchino and his dental staff in Erie, PA can help you address the pain caused by TMJ and bruxism using advanced dental technology and reliable methods. TMJ can be so severe that it limits the range of motion in your mouth, making everyday activities like brushing, flossing, and chewing painful and challenging.
What Is TMD?
The terms TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably, but they actually describe distinct conditions. TMJ specifically refers to pain in the jaw joint, whereas TMD indicates that the jaw joint is not functioning properly.
TMD encompasses various complications involving the joints, muscles, bones, and nerves in the jaw and face. These components work together in a complex and delicate process that enables biting, chewing, talking, and opening the mouth. Any problem affecting these parts is categorized as TMD.
What Is TMJ?
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, act as a sliding hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw, allowing for movement in different directions. A properly functioning TMJ is flexible and allows for speaking, chewing, and yawning without any discomfort. However, misalignment or inflammation of the joint can restrict movement and cause pain.
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw joint or near your oral cavity, we recommend scheduling an appointment with us at Harborcreek Dental.
During your evaluation, Dr. Sambuchino will inquire about your symptoms, medications, and stress levels. He will examine the TMJ and listen for any clicking sounds that may indicate a TMJ disorder. X-rays may also be ordered to obtain a clearer view of the joint. If a TMJ disorder is diagnosed, treatment can begin immediately, and symptoms should improve shortly after.
Common signs and symptoms of TMJ include:
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms related to TMJ, please contact Harborcreek Dental today:
- Severe pain in your jaw joint that radiates to your neck, shoulders, temples, and ears
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Pain while biting and chewing
- Persistent morning headaches
- Jaw locking when you try to open your mouth
Dr. Sambuchino is highly skilled in treating TMJ and TMD disorders. Our advanced dental technology, such as the 3-D Cone-Beam CT Scan, allows us to quickly diagnose TMJ and other dental issues.
The 3-D Cone-Beam CT Scan provides detailed three-dimensional scans of your entire oral cavity, including your teeth, gums, soft tissues, nerves, and jawbone. It also enables precise dental implant placement, dental extractions, and diagnosis of other oral health problems.
If you are experiencing pain during yawning, biting, or mouth opening, or if you have unexplained severe headaches, please call your Erie dentist at (814) 899-0444 to schedule a TMJ appointment with Dr. Sambuchino.
Our Approach to TMJ Treatment
When you visit Harborcreek Dental for your TMJ appointment with Dr. Sambuchino, we will assess your symptoms and utilize advanced dental technology to capture high-quality images of your mouth and surrounding areas. This will enable us to determine if there is any damage or injury to your jaw joint. Once we have evaluated the severity of the disorder, we will develop a reliable treatment plan.
Treating TMJ involves employing various approaches to alleviate discomfort and address symptoms. We may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers to assist in the treatment of TMJ.
If you are experiencing swelling or persistent pain, applying heat and ice directly to your jaw hinge can provide temporary relief. Additionally, we may recommend the use of nightguards or oral splints as a non-surgical treatment while you sleep. These oral splints are placed in your mouth and prevent your teeth from touching, thereby reducing pressure on your jaw joint and allowing inflammation to heal. Many patients have reported that nightguards can alleviate symptoms and relieve pain. In severe cases that cannot be treated with oral splints, surgery may be considered as an option.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that affects oral health and involves grinding or clenching of the teeth. People in Erie may unknowingly clench their teeth during the day. Many individuals also grind and clench their teeth while sleeping, often realizing it only when they wake up with jaw muscle soreness and headaches. Sleep-related bruxism is often associated with other sleep disorders like sleep apnea. If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to tooth wear and looseness, and eventually cause damage to the jawbone, teeth, and gums. It can also result in TMJ issues. Common symptoms of bruxism include teeth grinding, broken or chipped teeth, tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, jaw, face, or neck soreness, difficulty sleeping, earaches, headaches, and worn down enamel. If you are unsure whether you have bruxism, your Erie dentist can provide an accurate diagnosis by examining the condition of your teeth.
How Is Bruxism Treated?
Dr. Sambuchino can provide the appropriate treatment for your bruxism based on its underlying cause. Some possible solutions for bruxism include:
- Using a mouthguard-like appliance while sleeping to prevent grinding of the upper and lower teeth.
- Learning relaxation techniques to manage stress, as bruxism is often stress-related. Counseling may also be recommended.
- Adjusting any high spots in your mouth that may be causing an uneven bite, which can lead to excessive pressure on certain teeth.
Get treatment for TMJ disorders and bruxism.
Are you exhausted from enduring persistent pain? Reach out to Harborcreek Dental now to book an examination and find out if you have TMJ disorder or bruxism. Put an end to your dental discomfort. Discomfort often signifies underlying oral health issues that will deteriorate with time. If you are experiencing dental pain, call us right away so we can tackle the problems in their initial phases.
