14
Sep
What Patients Should Know About an Oral Appliance for TMJ
Most people with TMJ disorder feel the brunt of it when they wake up in the morning. A sore jaw or tight facial muscles. Sometimes their teeth feel sensitive, or they have headaches that they didn’t have the night before.
Dr. Mario Samaniego at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC offers bruxism treatment with an oral appliance that can provide much-needed relief.
Is TMJ the Same Thing as TMD?
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jawbone to your skull. You have two, one on each side just below your earlobe. The TMJ is working every time you chew, talk, or yawn.Â
TMD is a disorder of the TMJ. That means you have issues in that joint and the muscles that wrap around it. Bruxism is the clinical name for teeth grinding.Â
What Are the Most Common TMJ/TMD Symptoms?
If you have any of this going on, it’s worth looking into bruxism treatment to see if it will help you.
- Jaw pain.
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- Clicking or popping noises (or feelings) when you chew.
- Headaches.
- Pain in your shoulder or neck.
- Earaches.
- Ringing in your ears.
- Teeth that are worn down.
Why Is It Important to Get Bruxism Treatment?
Besides the headaches and jaw pain, teeth grinding puts tons of force on your teeth. Teeth aren’t built for that. Over time, the enamel wears down, and fillings and other dental work can become damaged.
Bruxism also has a significant impact on your sleep quality. And headaches and the pain it causes in your shoulder and neck can affect almost every area of your life.
Does TMJ Treatment Help with Headaches and Migraines?
Headaches from TMJ happen because the muscles that move your jaw tie into your temples. Once they get worn out because of clenching all night, the tension travels. Your headaches will usually get better once your jaw calms down a bit.
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New Patients: (575) 339-1838 | Existing Patients: (575) 523-1479
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How Does an Oral Appliance Work for TMJ Treatment?
An oral appliance looks something like a sports mouth guard. It’s molded to fit your teeth perfectly, and you wear it at night while you sleep. The purpose is to keep your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other. Also, your jaw is held in a better position and eases pressure from the joint.
How Does the Team at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC Evaluate for TMD?
Dr. Samaniego’s exam involves listening to your jaw and feeling the muscles around it as you open and close your mouth. He’ll check to see how far your jaw travels and where it catches.
How your teeth meet when you bite down is something else he’ll look at. After he establishes your range of motion, the team takes X-rays or scans to see where to go from there.
How Can I Learn More About an Oral Appliance for TMJ in Las Cruces, NM?
Dr. Mario Samaniego can help you figure out whether an oral appliance is right for your situation. Get in touch with the team today by calling (575) 339-1838, and they’ll schedule a consultation for you at 2569 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88011.
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Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC
Dr. Mario Samaniego, DDS, is a highly respected dentist with over 30 years of experience. Originally from El Paso, Texas, he pursued his dental education at Loma Linda University and further honed his skills with specialized training in the USAF. In 1984, he founded thriving practices in Las Cruces and Alamogordo, New Mexico. Dr. Samaniego is renowned for his expertise in TMJ treatment, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry, and is among a select group practicing Bio Esthetic Dentistry. Recognized as one of America’s top dentists, he is also dedicated to supporting education through scholarships for students.