Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
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TMD are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.
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Left untreated, TMJ disorder can lead to significant health problems, including chronic pain and inflammation. It can also cause bite issues, tooth erosion and long-term conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, depression and anxiety.
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Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism. This is the habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. But trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may cause TMD.
If your TMD is not caused by a dental problem, a medical condition such as arthritis can lead to a TMJ disorder.
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If your TMD comes from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance such as a bite plate or splint to keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth.
In some severe cases, your dental professional may recommend jaw surgery to correct irregularities of the jaw bone to realign the jaws and teeth to improve the way they work.
Facial Pain
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Facial pain is common and often the result of headaches and injuries. However, other causes of facial pain include nerve conditions, jaw and dental problems, and infections. Facial pain can originate from a specific area of the face, or it may radiate from another part of the head. Many times, dental problems are the major causes of facial pain.
If you’re suffering from facial pain, come in for a visit and see how we can help you!
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Oral appliances. Your dentist at The Wobbly Tooth Dental Practice will be able to make custom oral appliances, like night guards that can help you relieve facial pain.
Physical therapy. Physical therapy has many different uses, including helping you get rid of facial pain.
Injections. If less invasive treatment options haven't worked, injections may be able to help you beat your facial pain.
Medications. While some pain medications do help, the underlying causes for facial pain needs to be addressed in order to see real change.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia is often misdiagnosed as dental pain, since pain is frequently triggered when someone chews or talks. However, pain can also occur when someone touches their face, shaves or simply feels the wind.