TMJ Treatment, Nashville and Brentwood TN

If you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth often, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people are afflicted with this condition, which is also known as “bruxism.” Bruxism affects people of all ages – from children all the way up through mature adults. One of the unfortunate effects of bruxism is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which can leave you in daily pain if left untreated.

In this article, we’ll explain more about how teeth clenching and grinding are connected to TMJ, and how you can find relief from the condition today.

How Does Teeth Grinding and Clenching Lead to TMJ?
People who are dealing with bruxism can be susceptible to clenching or grinding their teeth at any time, but it is a bit more common at night. In addition to generating considerable wear and tear on teeth over time, it also continuously stresses the jaw region of the face. Eventually, this repeated movement strains the jaw and leads to TMJ. So how do you know if you might have a case of TMJ?

To get a better idea of whether you have TMJ, take a look at the following common symptoms to see if they sound familiar to you:

• Pain or soreness in your face
• Pain or difficulty while chewing
• Headache, migraine or earache
• Discomfort in the neck or shoulders
• Clicking or popping noises when you chew

People with TMJ typically experience some of the above symptoms, so if any of those sound familiar you should seek TMJ treatment from a dental professional today. Keep reading to find out how your dentist can save you from the pain and discomfort of TMJ.

How Can Your Dentist Offer TMJ Treatment?
When you visit your dentist to get TMJ treatment, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel over the following weeks, months and years. Dentists are specially trained to get right to the root of the problem using advanced diagnostic equipment. This technology enables them to see exactly where the jaw has been misaligned due to grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Once your dentist has located the areas of misalignment and determined how the jaw should be properly aligned, he or she will design a solution that directly addresses your unique alignment. This solution typically consists of an oral appliance resembling a mouth guard used in sports. This custom oral appliance gradually shifts your jaw into its correct alignment as you sleep and holds it still so you can’t clench or grind your teeth. Over a relatively short period of time, you will find that the pain and other symptoms become a distant memory.

Another thing your dentist can do is use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to repair any damage to your teeth that has been caused by the constant grinding and clenching. If you have endured that problem for a prolonged period of time, you might have cracks, chips or erosion that need to be addressed.

Take control over your TMJ problem today by contacting Dr. Poss. His years of experience treating TMJ will provide the solution you need in the shortest time possible.