TMJ Treatment in Hialeah, FL

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in the movement of your jaw, enabling you to chew, speak, and yawn. However, complications with this joint can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), a condition that can significantly affect your quality of life.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders primarily arise from issues with the jaw muscles or the joint itself. Injuries to the jaw, head, or neck, such as whiplash, are common culprits. Other factors include the habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, arthritis in the joint, and stress, which may lead to tightening of the facial and jaw muscles.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMD can cause considerable pain and discomfort, manifesting in various ways:

• Difficulty in opening the mouth wide.
• Jaws that lock in the open or closed position.
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck, and shoulders, and in or around the ear.
• Additional symptoms may include headaches, toothaches, dizziness, ear ringing, and pain in the upper shoulders.

TMJ Treatment in Hialeah

Treating TMJ disorder effectively requires professional dental intervention. Here’s how we can help:

• Medications: Over-the-counter drugs to reduce pain and swelling, along with recommendations to relax the muscles and prevent teeth clenching or grinding.
• Nightguards or Splints: Often, dentists recommend wearing a plastic mouthpiece that fits over the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from touching, reducing the strain from clenching or grinding and aiding in bite alignment.
• Dental Adjustments: In some cases, replacing missing teeth or using crowns or bridges can help balance the biting surfaces and correct bite issues. Surgical interventions are considered only for severe conditions.