Treating TMD and Toothaches at Ardas Family Dental

Amid all the extra stress people are under, many have noticed that they’ve developed pain in their jaws, necks, and teeth. If you’re one of them, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. Besides being painful, this disorder may lead you to crack your teeth, or at least make it difficult for you to speak or chew. At Ardas Family Dental, we help patients suffering from TMD to find personalized solutions, but first, let’s take a closer look at what contributes to it.

The temporomandibular joints are the place on either side of our head where the lower jaw (the mandible) connects to the rest of the skull. Each temporomandibular joint needs to be able to exert a great deal of force, but be able to move freely in every direction. When people are under stress, they tend to clench their jaws, and during their sleep, they may grind their teeth together, which is a habit called bruxism. The pressure generated by bruxism can inflame the temporomandibular joints, causing them to become stiff and painful. It can also wear down tooth enamel, push teeth into new positions, or cause them to break completely.

Sometimes, a rheumatoid condition could be contributing to TMD, and patients who are under severe stress may need psychological counseling. But a dentist can help by providing patients with custom-fitted night guards. These oral appliances will comfortably keep the jaws separate, preventing the teeth from grinding together. We can also provide patients with partial crowns and other restorations for teeth that have already suffered damage and help them determine whether orthodontic therapy is needed.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

TMJ/TMD

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls many everyday necessary functions like talking and chewing. If you experience pain in your jaw when eating, chewing, or any other time, don’t wait to call Dr. Kattaura at Ardas Family Dental, located in Parker, CO. You may be experiencing temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.

 

TMD can be caused by stress, teeth grinding, or clenching of the jaw muscles. The main symptoms are pain when opening or closing mouth, trouble chewing, jaw becoming stuck open or shut, headaches or ear pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, and teeth grinding.

 

Teeth grinding is a problematic symptom of TMD. When you grind your teeth, the top and bottom rows are scraping against each other. Eventually, this will wear down the enamel on your teeth. This exposes the dentin within. Dentin is sensitive, and exposure causes a handful of different issues. This includes opening a pathway for harmful bacteria.

 

For short term relief, hot/cold packs can be applied in 15-minute intervals to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also helpful. For long term effects and treatment, an appointment with Dr. Kattaura is needed. Dr. Kattaura can give you a mouth guard, which will prevent your teeth from grinding together. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

 

If you suspect you have TMD, contact Ardas Family Dental for a consultation. Our office is located in Parker, CO. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kattaura, visit our website or call 720-459-8420.