What is TMJ? Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw. The TMJ can become affected by stress, arthritis, physical trauma, teeth grinding, or other issues. When the joint becomes affected, it may not function properly, which can then cause pain and other symptoms. This is called TMD—temporomandibular joint disorder. Some of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, or TMD, include:
- Frequent headaches and migraines.
- Clicking and locking of the jaw.
- Pain in facial muscles and around the jaw.
- Pain in neck and shoulders.
- Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus.
If any of the above symptoms look familiar, you understand how frustrating TMD can be. It can distract you from your daily tasks and from enjoying time with your loved ones. TMD should be treated immediately so that you can get back to the life you love, without any discomfort.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
The pain and discomfort that can come from having a TMJ disorder can have serious effects on other parts of your mouth and also on your overall health. With TMJ treatment from The Fort Collins Dentist you may benefit from:
Pain Relief
Many people who have a temporomandibular joint disorder can experience discomfort and sometimes debilitating pain. With TMJ treatment you can find relief for the pain you are experiencing.
Improvements in Mood
Along with the chronic pain, people can experience mood swings and states of depression that may be helped with dental TMJ treatment.
Prevent Further Damage
TMJ has been know to lead to other disorders such as sleep apnea, depression, excessive tooth wear and tooth loss. With TMJ treatment we can help to prevent further damage to your mouth and other disorders.
How to Treat TMJ/TMD
Dr. Allison Lesko provides the TMJ treatments you need to beat TMD. First, come see your Fort Collins dentist for an examination and x-rays of your teeth and jaws. There are several ways that Dr. Lesko can coax your jawbone into relaxing, and once she knows your unique TMJ issues, she can treat them effectively.
She can adjust your bite by placing crowns on various teeth, which will allow your TMJ to take a break from its habitual overuse to make up for the misalignment. She can also create a nightguard or splint that you can wear to slowly decrease your TMD symptoms and increase your comfort. Finally, she can show you how to control your pain at home through massage, prescription medication, and jaw exercises.
Find Comfort with TMD Treatment in Colorado Today
To learn about these treatment methods and the other ways Dr. Lesko can reduce your pain, give us a call at The Fort Collins Dentist today.
