Novato Dentist Answers Questions About TMJ

Written by Dr. McConnell on Sep 10, 2014

If you are one of the many people who suffer with TMJ, you know that the symptoms can have a serious, detrimental impact on your quality of life. However, you may be unaware that a qualified professional like the Novato Dentist may be able to treat these annoying symptoms. 

TMJ is the term that many people use to refer to a number of disorders related to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome. This is a relatively common condition that can lead to painful symptoms like severe headaches or migraines, jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), and ringing in the ears.

What Causes TMJ?

The symptoms of TMJ are most often caused by a misaligned dental bite. This may seem like a complicated problem to treat, but it is very often possible for us to adjust a misaligned bite without the need for complicated and costly surgery.

Patients with TMJ often grind their teeth heavily, especially during the night. Over time, this constant grinding erodes the natural healthy structure of teeth. If TMJ is not treated and teeth grinding is not corrected, it can eventually lead to deterioration of the jawbone and, eventually, tooth loss. It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit our dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

How Can You Treat the Symptoms of TMJ?

There are several ways that TMJ can develop, but it is most often the result of a misaligned dental bite. In order for us to pinpoint the problem and provide appropriate treatment, we perform a “bite analysis.” The information we gather from this analysis will be used to evaluate the balance between the jaw joint, jaw muscles, and the way in which your teeth come into contact when biting or chewing.

Once a diagnosis has been established, we fit you with an FDA-approved device that is designed specifically to reduce headaches and migraines associated with TMJ. This device works to alleviate painful symptoms by balancing your bite.

Please Contact our Office for More Information

Receiving treatment for TMJ is essential for relief and a healthy lifestyle. However, the only way to determine the exact cause of your symptoms is to contact our Novato Dentist office and arrange for a consultation. We will work with you to find the solution that best fits your needs and restores your quality of life.