There’s nothing worse than waking up with a headache; it’s no way to start the day, and you certainly can’t perform like you need to at work or school. So if you’re waking up with jaw pain or headaches, or if you notice a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth, it could be a TMJ issue.
Fortunately, there are treatment options, and with a little help from our dental team, you can be as good as new in no time.
What Are TMJ and TMD?
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the sliding joint that connects your skull to your lower jawbone. You have one on each side of your face, allowing you to yawn, talk, and chew. TMD refers to a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, which is the term used when your TMJ isn’t working properly.
You could develop TMD from normal use, but other factors can cause problems, such as:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Arthritis
- Misaligned bite
- Jaw injury
Treatment Options in Randolph
When you visit our dental office for a consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and jaws and check your bite to determine whether you suffer from TMD. Using the latest technology, including digital and panoramic x-rays, we can diagnose the issue and begin to customize a treatment plan.
Some of the possible treatment options include the following:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
- Prescription muscle relaxers
- Relaxation techniques
- Physical therapy
- BOTOX® injections
- Custom nightguards
How a Nightguard Works
A nightguard is a custom dental appliance that fits snugly over your teeth to keep you from clenching while you’re asleep. It provides a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, cushioning the shock that occurs when you grind your teeth.
Wearing a nightguard reduces muscle soreness and decreases your TMD symptoms.
Bruxism Treatment in Randolph, NJ
For questions regarding TMJ and TMD, or if you’d like to learn more about nightguards, our experienced team will happily assist you! At Randolph Dental Associates, we can treat your teeth grinding and teeth clenching issues and help you get the restful sleep you deserve while preserving your oral health.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please get in touch with us at (973) 895-3100.