Categories: TMJ Dentist

Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Wanting your general dentist to help you experience less TMJ pain? Some of the more common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder include a clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, pain when opening the mouth wide and overall tenderness in the jaw muscles. If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you will also experience some level of pain. This pain can get in the way of your everyday happiness, making it a good idea to ask your general dentist for pain relief help.

About TMJ

Learning more about TMJ will help you better understand this common disorder. Your jaw joints are very complex and can move in different directions. They allow you to perform everyday habits, like chewing food and talking. When a problem occurs that gets in the way of your jaw joints performing their normal functions, problems will soon follow. You may experience a little bit of pain or a lot of pain, it simply depends on your particular situation. If TMJ is not treated in a timely manner, it will only continue to get worse.

Common causes of TMJ

Some of the more common causes of temporomandibular joint disorder include being involved in some type of accident that causes the jaw to be dislocated, clenching the teeth so much that it places a lot of pressure on the jaw, grinding the teeth so often that it gets in the way of proper jaw alignment, having a mouth full of crooked teeth and being diagnosed with arthritis.

Can general dentists treat TMJ?

Yes, a general dentist can treat their patients who have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder. A general dentist already understands how the jaw functions and can therefore offer patients who are suffering from TMJ pain a few different types of treatment options. Patients who are experiencing severe TMJ pain may need to be referred to an orthodontist for further treatment if general dentistry treatment options do not work. The below list includes three common treatments general dentists will use to treat their TMJ patients who are in pain.

Wear a custom dental appliance

Dental patients whose TMJ diagnosis stems from their clenching or grinding their teeth will often benefit from using a custom dental appliance. Also called a bite guard or a splint, this appliance will keep the patient's upper teeth from coming into contact with their lower teeth.

Hot, cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy requires patients to alternate using hot packs and cold packs to lessen or eliminate their pain. This type of TMJ therapy can be used up to four times a day, which helps to relax the tense muscles that are often the reason behind the pain.

Learning relaxation techniques

There are a number of relaxation techniques those diagnosed with TMJ can utilize to lessen or even eliminate their pain. The techniques specifically target the areas in the jaw muscles that are tense, which can greatly reduce the tension and accordingly lead to less jaw pain.

Are you currently suffering from TMJ pain?

We completely understand how suffering from TMJ pain can get in the way of your being able to properly function during your day. When you are in pain, it is difficult to think about anything else. Understand that there are options available to you so you no longer have to suffer from TMJ-related pain. If you have any questions we can answer for you, please call us now. If you need to make an appointment, we can get you scheduled in at a time that is convenient for you.

Are you considering TMJ treatment in the Pomona area? Get more information at https://www.pomonadiamondbardentist.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Diagnosis And Treatment For TMJ

TMJ disorder is an issue that affects many Americans each year. It leads to jaw pain, limited jaw movement and other symptoms. Dentists can diagnose, treat and prevent TMJ disorder through a variety of methods. It is helpful to understand how the diagnostic and treatment process works for TMJ to determine if you should visit…

How Can You Relieve TMJ Pain?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is located in the jaw region of the face. When the joint malfunctions, individuals suffer from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can lead to pain and difficulty with eating, speaking and even smiling. Individuals suffering from TMJ disorder are often curious about treatment options from a general dentist.Many are surprised…

The Advantages Of Implant Supported Dentures Over Regular Ones

If you are missing several teeth on the jaw, you might consider opting for implant supported dentures. These offer an innovative solution to missing teeth and are considered more reliable than regular dentures. People were generally satisfied with replacing missing teeth with dentures. However, experts have incorporated a new and improved solution for missing teeth…

See A Laser Dentist For A Painless Treatment

A laser dentist can perform dental procedures with better accuracy and effectiveness. Read on to learn about laser dentistry and how it can help make some treatments more comfortable. The field of dentistry has witnessed significant advancements in the last few years. New technologies are transforming what dentists are able to offer their patients, from…

Juddy Lin

Share
Published by
Juddy Lin

Recent Posts

The Advantages of Implant Supported Dentures Over Regular Ones

If you are missing several teeth on the jaw, you might consider opting for implant…

2 weeks ago

See a Laser Dentist for a Painless Treatment

Laser dentistry is a painless, minimally invasive procedure that usually does not require an anesthetic…

2 months ago

The Process of Getting Dental Veneers: What to Expect

Most patients feel some discomfort after getting dental veneers. But dental functions will be normal…

3 months ago

Achieve Your Dream Smile With a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve your dream smile through numerous treatments, all customized…

3 months ago

How a Restorative Dentist Can Help After a Traumatic Accident

One of the primary concerns that often develops after a traumatic incident is the development…

5 months ago

Dentures Causing Sore Spots in Mouth: Denture Adjustment Needed

Learn why a denture adjustment is needed when you have sore spots in your mouth.…

5 months ago