Experiencing a dental concern can vary, depending on the issue at hand. You might have to pursue a dental filling to address early signs of decay, or your dentist might suggest a dental extraction as a last-ditch effort. In some cases, however, the issue is nontraditional in nature, requiring a bit more specialized treatment than you initially expected. Fortunately, our team is here to help you and we encourage you to give us a call. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist explores the damaging effects of untreated TMJ disorder, as well as how our team can help.
What is TMJ Disorder?
From time to time, you may have awoken with a sore or tense jaw. Though you might have shrugged it off as just the effects of an odd sleeping position, in actuality, it could be an indicator that you are grinding your teeth at night. Indeed, teeth grinding not only causes immediate damage to your smile, but it can lead to an even bigger concern known as TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder occurs when your lower jaw – also known as your mandible – becomes misaligned with one or both of the two temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges to the cranium. In other words, consistent teeth-grinding and moving the lower jaw in an unnatural manner increases your likelihood of developing the phenomenon.
When a person experiences TMJ disorder, he or she might become aware of a popping or clicking sensation that is occurring in the jaw. Not only can this issue be painful, but it can prevent you from opening your mouth wide enough to perform routine tasks such as biting, chewing, and eating. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
As Time Goes By
Like any other oral health-related issues, the longer you let TMJ disorder go by untreated, the worse the situation will become. We do not mean simply enduring pain a bit longer, but actually experiencing a greater likelihood of complications and damage.
Take, for example, the popping and clicking. At first it may not hurt all too bad, but consistently grinding against bone will lead to significant pain. Additionally, the clicking occurs as your jaw attempts to correct the issue, and without guided treatment, it can lead to tissue damage and tearing. Contact our team to learn more.
Looking at Effective Solutions
It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible, and guided splint therapy can help. TMJ disorder is a serious issue that can cause even more complications to arise the longer it is left untreated. Guided splint therapy not only helps protect your teeth throughout the process, but it can help guide the joints back into place smoothly.
Learn More Today
Contact Houston SleepWell in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the benefits of guided splint therapy for treating TMJ disorder.
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