If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or you chew on hard objects or ice cubes when stressed, you may be causing damage to the teeth and jaw. Many people experiencing jaw pain or tenderness around the neck and jaw do not realize these are symptoms of TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can affect your quality of life and, if left untreated, lead to bite problems and compromise the proper functioning of the jaw.
The people at this office are just the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. They really want their patients to be comfortable and provide excellent care. I’ve had a number of procedures done, from cleanings to crowns and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else! Gail T.
Some of the warning signs you may have TMJ disorder include:
Grinding and clenching your teeth can have negative long-term effects on your oral health. The extra pressure around your mouth and jaw can cause a bite misalignment and trigger pain around the jaw joint. This is why it is so important for patients to break any teeth grinding or clenching habits once we have identified them. Doing so can prevent destruction of the teeth and gums, and also preserve mobility of the jaw.
In most TMJ cases, we see that the jaw is shifted backward. This puts stress on the muscles, ligaments and bones in the jaw, which narrows the airway and limits the positions the jaw can move in. Obstruction of the airway can lead to mouth breathing during sleep, snoring, and the potential for your airway to collapse. If the airway collapses, your air is cut off and you experience an episode of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can cause serious health effects if left untreated. If you experience any TMJ or sleep apnea symptoms we encourage you to contact our office.
Dr. TJ Imm is trained using principles from The Dawson Academy so your TMJ treatment plan will consist of proven approaches and methodologies. The Dawson philosophy requires doctors to use MRI and CT-Scans to recognize symptoms of TMD, fabricate an occlusal splint, and create an individualized patient management plan. Dr. Imm has also successfully completed intensive training through the T&S Therapy Centre, gaining experience and comprehensive knowledge of craniofacial pain and sleep-related breathing disorders. We take the time to educate our patients about the diagnosis and treatment so that they can incorporate our suggestions and recommendations into their lifestyle. Contact us today if you need TMJ treatment in Upper Arlington.
Learn more about treatment options for TMJ disorder and bruxism by scheduling your consultation at 5 Points Advanced Dentistry today.
