When one has jaw pain or tension in the jaw joint — commonly referred to as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) — it can easily disrupt their daily life and sleep patterns, causing pain, discomfort, “clicking,” or even damage to their bite. TMD can place extra stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is why those with the disorder should prioritize finding a highly-rated dentistry for TMJ pain.
At Prestige Dentistry’s locations in Palm Harbor and Trinity, Florida, jaw pain and TMJ tension are taken seriously. By combining the latest in diagnostics and personalized TMJ treatments, the professionals at Prestige are helping people with TMJ issues live better lives.
When jaw pain takes over your days and nights
For many people, issues with jaw pain can start small, such as a noticeable stiffness in the morning or a subtle “pop” sound when they yawn. However, over time, these minor issues can become significant concerns that disrupt both days and nights, leading to chronic jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and even difficulty chewing or speaking. This ongoing pain and discomfort can make day-to-day exhausting and disrupt sleep.
The TMJ is involved in most facial movements, including opening the mouth to talk, eat, or yawn, or stretching the lips to smile. Therefore, the discomfort can manifest in myriad ways, leading people to avoid moving the joint altogether by changing the way they eat, speaking less, or adjusting their facial expressions. These changes can begin to greatly impact how one works and interacts with others, and eventually influence one’s mood and even their relationships.
How TMJ disorder can affect dental health
“The same oral and maxillofacial forces that affect the TMJ can impact the teeth,” says Prestige Dentistry dentist Dr. Jason Horwitz. Habitual jaw movement, such as clenching or grinding, can place enormous pressure on the teeth, wearing them down over time and leading to chips, cracks, or sensitivity. Eventually, extensive damage directly related to TMJ issues may necessitate crowns or veneers to restore the teeth.
“If the jaw is imbalanced or misaligned, this can also cause issues with uneven wear,” explains Dr. Horwitz. “TMJ issues that remain unaddressed can also lead to gum recession, muscle spasms and fatigue, and cause pain that can radiate throughout the face and head and even down into the neck and shoulders.”
Daily life with TMJ discomfort
Living with TMJ pain can mean constantly having to adjust to discomfort. From cutting food into tiny, bite-sized pieces, eating soft foods, to simply not smiling as much because it hurts, TMJ pain can significantly affect one’s quality of life.
Sleep can also be a casualty of jaw pain. People with TMD often grind or gnash their teeth at night, leading them to awaken with pain that can last throughout the day and feel unrested, which can lead to daytime irritability, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.
This constant cycle of pain and adjustments can cause stress, which in turn can increase clenching and grinding, turning TMJ pain into a vicious cycle that can be hard to break.
Prestige Dentistry’s approach to treating TMJ pain
“We understand that each patient is an individual,” says Prestige Dentistry dentist Dr. David Pielak. “Two patients can have the same TMD diagnosis, but different triggers or symptoms.”
These distinctions between patients lead the Prestige team to emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluations for each patient presenting with jaw pain. The team examines the patient’s bite, joints, alignment, muscles, tooth wear, and even lifestyle patterns before suggesting a course of action.
At both convenient locations, the Prestige dentists use advanced diagnostic tools and thorough clinical exams to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain, whether it’s clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism), misalignment, arthritis, or a past injury. With the groundwork laid, the Prestige staff designs a plan that aims not just to mask symptoms but to improve jaw function and long-term results.
Potential treatment options at a dentistry for TMJ pain
The treatment that Prestige chooses can depend on the core reasons for the TMJ pain. Prestige focuses on minimally invasive treatments to alleviate pain and restore function.
Custom oral appliances, such as occlusal splints, can be the cornerstone of TMJ care. Prestige custom-fit oral appliances to prevent teeth grinding, reduce jaw tension, and realign the jaw for better function.
Doctors also suggest lifestyle and habit modifications to help lessen jaw pain.
Simple adjustments like stress management techniques, posture improvement, and dietary changes can significantly reduce TMJ pain symptoms.
Physical therapy, such as jaw-stretching and strengthening exercises, can help improve mobility and eventually reduce jaw discomfort. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers can help manage acute pain or inflammation. If conservative treatments fall short, the Prestige Dentistry staff explores advanced options, such as surgical referrals.
For anyone living with chronic jaw pain, Prestige Dentistry can be a local partner in the Gulf Coast with a reputation for blending high-tech dentistry with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere at both its Palm Harbor and Trinity locations. Through thorough examinations and comprehensive restorative care, Prestige Dentistry is helping people with TMJ issues who are done “pressing through the pain.”
