Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Treatment for TMJ Disorder

June 19, 2021

TMJ disorder (also commonly referred to as TMD) develops when disproportionate amounts of stress are applied to the jaw joints. These are the joints responsible not just for connecting the mandible (or jaw) to the skull, but allowing complex motions of the jaw when speaking, yawning, chewing, and performing countless other tasks. When TMJ therapy in Stuart is not performed when it’s needed, it can lead to many other complications, some of which can even become permanent. Read over just a few of them and get in touch with a dentist today if you have chronic jaw pain!

What are the Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

In some cases, people don’t even realize they have TMJ disorder until a dentist tells them about it. However, there are a handful of symptoms you can be on the lookout for. If one or more of these issues comes up, you should get in touch with a dentist right away. They include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
• Difficulty chewing
• Locking or clicking of the jaw
• Facial swelling
• Toothaches or headaches
• Ringing in the ears

Long-Term Effects That Can Develop Without Treatment

While chronic pain is certainly one of the most common and obvious side effects of long-term TMJ disorder, it’s far from the only complication that can arise. Many patients exhibit the following problems when their jaw continues to be overworked:

• Insomnia and sleep disturbances – These complications are typically due to chronic jaw pain as well as an increased number of headaches and migraines.
• Wear and tear to teeth – It’s not uncommon for people to develop TMJ disorder as a result of regular teeth grinding and clenching.
• Tinnitus – Ringing in the ears becomes more regular, but tinnitus also increases the risk of fatigue, stress, depression, memory problems, anxiety, and mood swings.
• Neck and shoulder pain – Pain that stems from the jaw can easily travel to other parts of the body, particularly the neck, shoulders, and even upper back.
• Airway sleep disorders – If you have TMJ disorder due to a misaligned bite, you’re also at higher risk of developing conditions like sleep apnea.

How a Dentist Can Help Manage Your Symptoms

With the help of a dentist, you can not only ease your symptoms, but ensure that complications don’t develop and make your life even more difficult. One of the most common solutions dentists provide are oral appliances. These devices are meant to be non-invasive and long-lasting, so you can expect your chronic pain or other issues to be kept under control. For many, results appear within just a few days of use!

Custom-made oral appliances can change your life when designed by the right dentist, especially when they are used to manage TMJ disorders. Call one today and do your long-term oral and overall health a favor!

About Aesthetic Dentistry of Stuart

Dr. Crary and Dr. Bacha are fully dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans to patients that fit their specific needs. This just as much applies to TMJ therapy as it does any other dental service they offer. Additionally, Dr. Crary’s auxiliary dental training includes the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. She’s also earned Fellowship status from the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. To schedule an appointment, you can contact Dr. Crary or Dr. Bacha through their website.