Are you experiencing persistent jaw pain, discomfort while chewing, or clicking sounds in your jaw? You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, commonly referred to as TMD. At Prewitt Dental, located in Sanger, CA, our team of experienced professionals, including Dr. Randy Prewitt, Dr. Timothy Prewitt, and Dr. Quincy Sofowora, is dedicated to providing comprehensive TMJ/TMD therapy to alleviate your symptoms and restore your oral health and quality of life.
What are TMJ and TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It allows for smooth jaw movements, facilitating essential functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint becomes inflamed or damaged, it can lead to a range of painful symptoms collectively known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
TMD can manifest in various ways, affecting the jaw and surrounding muscles and tissues. Common symptoms include:
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
- Jaw Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the jaw joint, often worsened by chewing or jaw movement.
- Facial Pain: Discomfort or tenderness in the face, particularly around the jawline, cheeks, and temples.
- Difficulty Chewing: Pain or discomfort while chewing, accompanied by a feeling of jaw stiffness or limited movement.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible clicking, popping, or grating noises when opening or closing the mouth.
- Lockjaw: Temporary or prolonged inability to fully open or close the mouth.
- Headaches: Recurring headaches, often radiating from the temples or behind the eyes.
- Ear Pain: Aches or ringing sensations in the ears, sometimes mistaken for ear infections.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: Tension or discomfort in the neck and shoulder muscles stemming from jaw misalignment or strain.
What Causes TMD?
TMD can develop due to various factors, including:
- Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, can strain the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Jaw Misalignment: An uneven bite or dental malocclusion can place excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Trauma: Injuries to the jaw, head, or neck region, whether from accidents, sports-related incidents, or dental procedures, can contribute to TMD.
4. Stress: Emotional or psychological stress can manifest physically, causing individuals to clench their jaw or tense facial muscles
5. Arthritis: Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, resulting in pain and dysfunction.
TMD Treatments at Prewitt Dental
We offer tailored TMD therapy to address each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. Our comprehensive approach focuses on alleviating symptoms, restoring jaw function, and promoting long-term oral health. Our treatments may include:
- Custom Mouthguards: We fabricate custom-fit mouthguards or oral splints to alleviate bruxism-related symptoms and prevent further damage to the TMJ.
- Orthodontic Solutions: We may recommend orthodontic treatments to correct alignment issues for patients with bite misalignment or dental malocclusion contributing to TMD.
- Stress Management Techniques: We provide guidance on stress-reduction techniques and lifestyle modifications to minimize jaw tension and improve overall well-being.
- Physical Therapy: Our team may incorporate physical therapy exercises and modalities to strengthen jaw muscles, enhance flexibility, and promote proper joint function.
- Medications: Sometimes, we may prescribe pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate TMD symptoms and facilitate healing.
- Trigger Point Injections: For patients experiencing severe muscle pain or spasms, we may administer targeted medication injections to relieve discomfort and improve jaw mobility.
TMD and TMJ Treatment in Sanger, CA
Our mission is to empower patients to achieve optimal oral health and regain comfort and confidence in their smiles. With our expertise in TMJ/TMD therapy and commitment to patient-centered care, you can trust us to provide compassionate support and effective solutions for your TMD-related concerns. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Randy Prewitt, Dr. Timothy Prewitt, or Dr. Quincy Sofowora today and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthy smile.
For more information about our TMJ/TMD therapy services or to schedule an appointment, please contact Prewitt Dental in Sanger, CA, today. We look forward to serving you and helping you find relief from TMD symptoms.
