Treatment for Bruxism and TMJ in Evansville IN
Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You may suffer from bruxism, or ongoing clenching and grinding of your teeth.
When left untreated, bruxism can lead to long-term jaw problems also known as TMJ, or TMJD – temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The term TMJD is a broad description of jaw joint disorders that can lead to a host of painful symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJD and Bruxism
While symptoms of TMJD or bruxism can vary, they can include any of the following:
- Jaw pain
- Swelling
- Sensitive teeth
- Clicking, popping, or locking of jaw joints
- Teeth that do not come together correctly
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Numbness
- Facial pain
- Shoulder or neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
Many patients experience some symptoms at one time or another and often report that symptoms worsen with time. When left untreated, TMJD and bruxism can lead to degeneration of the jaw joints, tooth wear, broken teeth, and severe pain. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, contact our dentist in Evansville to set up an appointment.
What Causes TMJD and Bruxism?
In some cases, you may grind your teeth because of a poor bite relationship between your upper and lower teeth, because of stress, or because of an accident or trauma. Even alcohol, certain medications, and drugs can worsen a teeth-grinding habit. Some people can pinpoint when their symptoms started, while others never find the cause of their jaw pain or teeth grinding.
Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism in Evansville
Evansville dentist, Dr. Meunier DDS, will start by evaluating your joints to determine the best course of action to get you the greatest relief!
For many patients, we can start with occlusal splint therapy. Splints fit over your upper or lower teeth and create a barrier that prevents damage due to clenching and grinding. We can also adjust the splint to allow your jaw joints to seat in a comfortable position.
This ideal orthopedic position of your jaw joints promotes release in your muscles and allows symptoms to subside. For many patients, relief begins quickly, often in the first couple of weeks of splint therapy.
You may need periodic adjustments to your splint to promote jaw relaxation and because a teeth grinding habit can grind away at your splint.
Another possible treatment for TMJD and bruxism is a procedure called occlusal equilibration. This procedure makes tiny hairline adjustments to the surfaces of your teeth to allow your teeth to come together correctly. These adjustments will not put your oral health at risk, but can help improve your bite.
Finally, patients with severe malocclusion (a bad bite) may benefit from orthodontic treatment to enjoy a comfortable bite in the future. A splint can accompany both occlusal equilibration and patients who need additional protection beyond orthodontics.
If You Have Jaw Pain or Headaches, Call Us!
Our Melody Hill, IN dentist office looks forward to helping you enjoy improved quality of life with relief from teeth grinding and jaw pain. Contact us today to schedule an exam with Dr. Chris Meunier and take the first step toward greater comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions
Jaw joint problems can be excruciating and debilitating. Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is responsible for helping you talk, laugh, and chew your food comfortably. When it's not functioning correctly, it's known as TMJD or temporomandibular joint disorder.
Symptoms Of TMJD
Your general dentist in Evansville can help to diagnose TMJD, and some of the symptoms you may be dealing with are:
- Frequent headaches
- Bruxism - or clenching and grinding your teeth
- Clicking and popping in your jaw joint
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
- Your jaw locking open or closed
TMJD can cause one or more of these symptoms, which can significantly impact your quality of life.
The good news is that Dr. Chris Meunier offers TMJ treatment in Evansville that provides relief from your discomfort and gets you back on the path to wellness.
The first step is to accurately diagnose your TMJD as the causes are different for each patient. Once Dr. Meunier has a good idea of the root cause of your discomfort, he can recommend the right treatment to alleviate your pain.
For example, if tooth clenching or grinding is causing your TMJD, you might benefit from wearing a custom night guard that protects your teeth and relaxes your jaw muscles while you sleep.
Contact Reliant Family Dental
Don't live with TMJ pain! If you're looking for the best dentist in Evansville, IN to manage TMJ discomfort, contact Reliant Family Dental today.
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is misaligned or inflamed, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, headaches, limited jaw movement, and even a change in facial appearance.
Clenching your jaw is a common symptom of TMJ, and over time, this can cause the muscles in your jaw to become overworked and enlarged. This enlargement can contribute to a less defined jawline, especially for those seeking that sharp, sculpted look.
The good news is that TMJ is treatable!
At Reliant Family Dental, our experienced dentists in Evansville, IN specialize in TMJ treatment. We offer a variety of options to help manage your symptoms and restore your jaw's function and appearance. Whether it's custom nightguards to prevent nighttime clenching, pain management strategies, or even physical therapy techniques, we'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Don't let TMJ pain disrupt your life! Schedule a consultation with Reliant Family Dental, your general dentist in Evansville. We're here to help you achieve a healthy, well-defined jawline and a pain-free smile.
Call us at (812) 370-5911 or visit us at 4827 Davis Lant Dr. Ste #G, Evansville, IN 47715. We look forward to assisting you in achieving optimal oral health and a confident, pain-free smile.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Chris Meunier, DDS
Dr. Meunier is a native of Perry County, Indiana. He attended Indiana University Southeast and is a graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Meunier was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, serving as a dentist at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. During his four years of service, he received numerous awards for leadership and clinical excellence.
Upon the completion of his military service, ...
Featured Blog Posts - Treatment for Bruxism and TMJ
Teeth Grinding: Treating the Symptoms of Bruxism to Ease Pain and Save Your Oral Health
Teeth grinding and clenching, commonly called bruxism, is a serious issue because it causes extreme wear and tear on teeth. In addition, it typically occurs during sleep, leaving the sufferer in a dilemma. In other words, you can’t stop doing it if you aren’t aware.
Fortunately, your dentist in Evansville, IN, ...
How Can My Dentist Help with Bruxism Treatment?
Bruxism is a severe habit that typically occurs during sleep. In fact, you may not know you have it at first, but your Evansville, IN, dentist can spot the telltale signs early and save you a lot of pain and time in the dental chair. For this reason (and so ...
The Effects of TMJ on your health
Do you suffer from pain or tenderness when you bite or chew? Do you often have neck or shoulder pain? Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Did you know that all of these issues could be related to problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
What is TMJ?
Your jaw joint is ...