12
Nov
Your guide to TMJ Disorders in four FAQs
Jaw pain when opening your mouth is but one of many symptoms associated with TMJ Disorder or TMJ Dysfunction (TMD). Due to the nature of these symptoms, TMD has many life-altering implications. It can affect everyday function, making it tough to open and close your mouth and to chew food comfortably and without difficulty. Fortunately, El Paso Modern Dentistry serves West Texas with tailored treatment plans that are often multi-faceted. Plans developed by our dentist, Dr. Enrique Darancou, account for the many different sources or root causes of this often debilitating group of disorders.
What does “TMJ” stand for?
It is the acronym for “Temporomandibular Joint.” While this may sound like a mouthful, we are simply referring to the jaw joints that connect to the skull on both sides of the face. These joints are designed to function as hinges supporting smooth and healthy movements. Fluid movement supports the capacity to talk, eat, or otherwise “use” your mouth naturally, efficiently, and without pain.
How do these joints become “disordered”?
TMDs have many potential origins. Basically, this hinge or joint is surrounded by numerous other tissues and structures – cartilage, muscle, ligaments, bones, and so on. So, any time the joints or these associated structures are “stressed,” symptoms of TMD can arise. Such “stress” may result from certain behaviors or habits that place excessive force on the joints, and this “system” is designed to operate as a well-oiled machine. Examples include persistent and excessive gum chewing and chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching (a condition known as “bruxism”). Additionally, degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, previous jaw injuries and trauma, and even imbalances in one’s “bite” or the relationship between the teeth can be to blame.
What are some potential signs of TMDs?
TMDs affect the ability to move your jaw properly. This impaired mobility can result in problems with eating food. You may find that your jaw hurts when you open and close it. Also, individuals with TMD often complain about “locking” or an inability to close their mouth after it’s been opened. These symptoms may be accompanied by a “noisy jaw” or the sound of clicking and popping when moving the mouth. The complications of TMDs can transcend the jaw joint itself; you may experience frequent migraines and earaches, as well as tinnitus and pain that radiates across the face and into the neck, shoulders, and back.
How do you treat TMJ Disorders?
Treatment starts with an understanding of the nature and severity of your concerns. With an understanding of the source of your discomfort and other symptoms, Dr. Darancou and our team at El Paso Modern Dentistry can recommend a wide range of tailored treatment options. Some of the most common options include medications such as muscle relaxants. Simple modifications, like not chewing gum, can have a big and positive impact on the frequency and severity of your symptoms. As needed, we may recommend oral appliance therapy such as a “nightguard” to ease the force placed on the teeth and jaw joints from teeth grinding at night or while you are asleep. Some restorative dentistry services may be in order, such as correcting imbalances in the force placed on the teeth and tissues by repairing or replacing old restorations or straightening teeth and correcting bite issues with orthodontic care.
Freedom from the pain and limited range of motion of TMDs is right around the corner, courtesy of your friends in El Paso, TX. Call (915) 581-4440 today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Darancou.
Dr. Enrique Darancou
At El Paso Modern Dentistry, we are dedicated to proving our patients and families, personalized and quality dental care using latest technologies. Your smile is very important to us.
A graduate from the University of Iowa, Dr. Darancou has extensive skill and experience in CEREC same day crows and is certified in pediatric sedation. He is a Fellow with the International Dental Implant Association, a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Texas Dental Association (TDA), the El Paso Dental Society, and a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Foundation of Bioesthetic Dentistry (OBI), making him very qualified in the cause of worn teeth, TMJ and Dental Implants.
His goal is to ensure all patients maintain optimal oral health and beautiful smiles for life.