TMD Treatment in Metairie, LA

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. Disorders of the TMJ can cause pain in the face and restrict jaw movement. Some patients may even experience headaches because of this condition. The symptoms of TMJ disorders can also include hearing or feeling noises when opening and closing the mouth, grinding teeth at night, jaw locking, and even facial swelling.

The Causes of TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, can stem from several issues. In some cases, a person is born with misaligned jaws. In other cases, patients can develop TMD over time due to arthritis in the jaw joints.

Those with misaligned teeth may also experience discomfort and pain in the temporomandibular joint. This is because the bones that make up the jaw can become worn down due to wearing the wrong braces or retainers. When your teeth fall out of alignment, the ligaments that hold the jawbone in place become strained and can eventually be damaged. This can lead to TMD as well as a host of other problems in the mouth.

Treatment for TMD

There are a few possible causes of TMJ problems. Sometimes, patients grind their teeth together at night without even realizing it. This can cause wear and tear on the teeth, leading to various complications down the road. In other cases, a patient’s bite is not aligned correctly. Our dentist may recommend a mouthguard or other appliance to protect the teeth from damage in these cases. The dentist may also recommend orthodontic treatment to strengthen teeth and make the patient more comfortable. Other common reasons patients experience TMD include stress or arthritis.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, mention them to our dentist at your next appointment. The sooner the condition is addressed, the better. It would also help if you shared information about your daily life with our dentist, such as if you suffer from nighttime grinding or frequently wake up with a headache. This information can help our dentist make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan for you.

If you suffer from constant headaches or wake up with stiff and painful jaws, you might have TMD. Visit Raul Ramirez DDS at 2816 Lake Villa Dr, Metairie, LA 70002, or call (504) 885-3255 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so you can start feeling relief from your symptoms and get back to living everyday life!