TMJ & Bruxism Treatment
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) control the up and down and side-to-side movement of your lower jaw. When these joints hurt or don’t function as they should, the condition is called temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, and it causes pain and limited mobility.
TMJ Pain Treatment in Moorpark, CA
For some, symptoms of TMD like head, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain are constant and have a severe impact on their comfort and quality of life.
Dr. Gury Batlle understands how disruptive the symptoms of TMJ can be, and he has helped many of his patients get out of pain and take back their lives. There are several approaches to managing TMD, and one simple but very effective solution is a customized oral device called a nightguard.
If you are in constant pain from TMJ-related problems, please call Moorpark Dental Studio so Dr. Batlle can help provide the relief you need.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
Your TMJ is in constant use throughout the day whenever you yawn, bite, chew, laugh, or speak. Because they get such a workout, jaw joints can become sore, strained, and overworked, which leads to damage to the joint and, unfortunately, pain.
When the TMJs cause pain or don’t function as they should, we refer to the condition as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.
Risk Factors for TMJ Problems (TMD)
TMD is a complex condition to diagnose but responds well to treatment once the source is identified. There are certain factors to be aware of that make you more likely to develop jaw joint problems.
- The most common age to develop TMD is 18-44
- Women are significantly more likely to develop TMD
- Long-term chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) that triggers TMJ pain
- A misaligned dental bite places excessive strain on the TMJ
- Arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
- Injury or trauma to the jaw that damages or strains the TMJ
- Family history of TMJ or predisposition to high stress levels
8 Common Symptoms of TMD to Look For
Here are eight common symptoms of TMD you should be aware of:
- Clicking or popping noises
- Pain when moving the jaw
- Headaches, including migraines
- Radiating pain in the shoulder or neck
- Jaw locked open or closed
- Difficulty chewing or pain when chewing
- Facial swelling on one side
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
If Dr. Batlle suspects you have TMD, he will take digital x-rays of your mouth and jaw to see what’s happening with the TMJ.
Mouthguards Give Your TMJ a Rest
Similar in design to a sports mouthguard, we create your custom night guard using impressions of your teeth. The mouthguard protects your teeth and TMJ from damaging forces and offers relief from discomfort and soreness.
Controlling the constant excessive clenching and grinding forces gives your TMJ gets a chance to rest and recover while you sleep. Since the night guard is made just for your, it fits comfortably and can minimize painful TMD symptoms.
Reduce Your General Stress Levels
Since temporomandibular joint disorder is a complex condition, it is often managed and controlled rather than cured. The goal is to reduce your general stress level to minimize clenching and grinding that places excess force on your teeth and TMJ.
Practices that reduce your general stress levels like meditation and yoga, listening to music, or taking a long walk outdoors can be very beneficial. When your mind and body are relaxed, you’re less likely to clench and grind your teeth, which in turn relieves painful TMJ symptoms.
We Offer TMJ Pain Relief in Moorpark, CA
Don’t spend another moment struggling with the painful symptoms of TMD. Call Moorpark Dental Studio so Dr. Batlle can meet with you and determine if a custom nightguard can provide the TMJ pain relief you need.
