Find Relief from Persistent Facial & Jaw Pain
TMJ Disorder can greatly impact your quality of life, causing you to experience a variety of symptoms like chronic headaches and persistent jaw pain. Fortunately, Drs. Paul E. Brown and Christopher S. Baran are highly experienced in providing relief to patients with TMJ therapy. Both our dentists and highly skilled team will get to the bottom of your TMD and develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs. Read how you can receive professional care at either our Wilmington or Seaford, DE office.
Understanding TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are located on either side of the jaw. These joints experience pressure on a daily basis since you use them every time you chew or speak. When these muscles become stiff due to being constantly overworked, you can develop TMD or TMJ Disorder. While symptoms can vary depending on the patient, common signs include intense headaches, teeth grinding, and excess stress on the jaw that can damage teeth.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
While TMJ Disorder can be caused by a number of factors, most cases usually result from excessive stress being placed on your jaw. Other causes of TMJ Disorder include:
- Arthritis in the joint and jaw muscle
- Bruxism or unconsciously clenching your jaw
- Muscle or joint damage due to a previous injury
- Damaged disc within the joint muscle
- Misaligned or missing teeth
If you experience any discomfort or pain in your jaw, our dentists can get to the bottom of your TMD and provide you with the treatment you need. Otherwise, you’ll be at risk of developing more harmful symptoms that may require further invasive solutions.
Identifying & Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
While TMJ Disorder is a complex condition that can manifest in different ways, there are still some common signs to look out for in everyday life so that you can receive treatment. You may need to visit our dentists if you experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic pain in your oral cavity and neck
- Discomfort that’s similar to a chronic earache
- Struggling to chew food or speak without pain
- Your jaw is popping or locking in place
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we’re highly familiar with recognizing symptoms of TMJ Disorder and will be sure to screen for it during every regular checkup. Let your dentist know if you’ve been experiencing any of the above symptoms on a routine basis.
Permanent Relief With Occlusal Splints
The most effective treatment for TMD will depend on the cause of your jaw’s condition. Your dentist will fit you with a custom-made oral appliance that’s designed to fit over your teeth. This occlusal splint works by gently pushing the lower jaw forward, reducing the pressure that’s on your TMJs so that you can achieve lasting relief. This oral appliance also helps to protect your teeth from grinding so that they don’t wear out or begin to develop any damage.
Your dentist may recommend restorative dentistry in more severe cases along with occlusal splints. If your jaw is being strained by missing teeth, a dental bridge or dental implants may be the best option. A dental crown can also redistribute pressure across your entire smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your TMD symptoms won’t go away on their own without proper TMJ treatment. Ignoring whatever pain you’re experiencing can lead to further complications with your jaw and require more invasive procedures. To start finding relief from your TMD, schedule a consultation with your dentist so that they can develop a proper treatment plan.
It’s important to receive TMJ therapy as soon as possible to relieve your symptoms while preventing them from getting worse. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so that they’re able to conduct a full evaluation and give you the resources you need to find relief. That way, you can get back to living your life without persistent facial pain or headaches.
TMD can cause hearing loss if left untreated for too long. Your temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your head and near your ears. If there’s an issue with this area, it can cause you to develop problems with your hearing due to the close proximity. The good news is that receiving TMJ therapy can help improve your ears and restore your hearing abilities.
Your dentist will determine the root cause of your TMD by evaluating your oral cavity before administering treatment. Understanding the causes of your symptoms is just as important as the treatment itself. In cases where your TMJ Disorder is caused due to teeth grinding, you may be given occlusal splints to shift your jaw into proper alignment while you sleep.
Fix Your TMJ Disorder for a Pain-Free Life
Are you dealing with frequent facial or jaw pain? Visit the dentists at Brown & Baran Family Dentistry for TMD treatment. We use occlusal splints to shift your jaw into proper alignment and provide you with lasting relief. Call either our Wilmington, DE practice at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE office at (302) 536-7589 to schedule your appointment today. We also serve patients living in Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE.
