The movement of your jaw can become painful or difficult if you experience issues with teeth grinding, or if your joint alignment is altered. If you let the problem go without treatment, pain as well as stiffness can intrude upon your ability to speak and eat. When your TMJ problems include trouble with teeth grinding, you also become vulnerable to dental damage that can call for restorative work. Our Columbia, TN dentist's office is ready to help patients in need of support. One important action we can take is to create a custom guard for you to wear while asleep. This prevents nighttime teeth grinding, which can cause dental damage while also placing mounting stress on your jaw joints and muscles.
Are You In Pain Because Of TMJ Disorder?
Issues with poor joint alignment or stress on your jaw that cause chronic pain are referred to as TMJ disorder. Your trouble might stem from teeth grinding issues, a problem with your bite caused by malocclusion, or any other issue that can interfere with your jaw movement. Your dentist can identify symptoms of TMJ disorder during a routine dental exam and walk you through your treatment options. You should reach out to discuss this problem if you experience problems with jaw movement, chronic pain in your face, neck, or head, or any signs of teeth grinding.
Reducing Stress And Protecting Your Enamel With A Custom Guard
With an occlusal guard, you can protect your teeth from nightly pressure on both your teeth and jaw caused by grinding. When a guard is made for a patient, care is taken to ensure that it fits comfortably, and that it will remain in place throughout the night. When worn, it will keep your teeth apart while also reducing pressure on your joints. While this is an important treatment step for patients with TMJ problems and teeth grinding issues, more care can be needed if grinding has led to dental damage.
What Can You Do About Dental Damage From Teeth Grinding?
It may be necessary for your dentist to restore teeth that have already suffered damage from teeth grinding. If you have teeth that are chipped or cracked, flattened, or worn down in some other way, we may recommend receiving a dental crown to protect it. With your crown, you can feel better about your smile and about your ability to bite and chew. For damages that are only superficial, we can use a more conservative approach in the form of cosmetic dentistry.
Talk To Your Columbia, TN Dentist About TMJ Problems
At Creekside Family Dentistry, patients who are concerned about jaw stiffness and pain, or over issues with frequent teeth grinding troubles, can look into treatment to resolve discomfort and protect their smile. If you wish to find out more about how we can help you, contact our Columbia, TN dentist's office today at 931-388-3384!