Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are uncomfortable, painful bite disorders. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders are caused by stress, an injury, or pressure on these joints that aid in biting and chewing. Patients with TMJ disorders often experience jaw and facial pain and frequent headaches or migraines. Dr. Puneet Agarwal offers comfortable TMJ treatment to his patients in Marriottsville, MD. Restorative dental treatment is important for patients with TMD because it helps create a more comfortable bite. Addressing TMJ disorders with restorative care also allows patients to eat, speak, and live their lives without pain.
TMD Symptoms
Common signs of TMJ disorders often include:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw pain
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Chronic headaches and migraines
Please call our office if you notice these symptoms or changes in the comfort of your bite. TMD is a bite disorder that can cause patients long-term pain and health problems.
TMJ Treatment in Marriottsville, MD
Physical therapy is a great option for patients with mild to moderate TMD symptoms. During physical therapy, patients will learn jaw services that relax the facial muscles. In addition to physical therapy, patients can use heat packs on the jaw or eat soft foods to rest the jaw. Nightguards are a conservative treatment option for bruxism or teeth clenching and grinding. Also known as oral appliance therapy, nightguards are worn at night to reduce tension in the TMJ. Wearing a nightguard during sleep also maintains a healthier jaw resting position.
We may recommend orthodontic treatment for patients without bruxism or those who do not clench or grind their teeth. Patients with crooked teeth are at risk of developing TMD because of their uneven bite. Straightening the smile can alleviate TMJ pain and pressure on the joints.
Restore Your Bite
Treat jaw discomfort once and for all with TMJ treatment. Call our Marriottsville dental office today at 410-442-1173 or schedule a dental consultation with our team online. Our dental team looks forward to seeing you at your next appointment. Also, let us know if you ever have questions about your symptoms or treatment options. We are always here to help.