301 439 5680
Temporomandibular disorders, often referred to as TMD, affect the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and nerves in the face. When your jaw is working as it should, you are unlikely to be aware of the numerous complex nerves, muscles, and joints that work together, enabling you to open and close your mouth at will. However, if even one of these functions stops working as it should, you will soon know about it because TMD and pain go hand in hand. Contact us at Ashley Dental Center in Adelphi, MD, and get TMD therapy if you’re interested in restoring your jaw functionality and comfort.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of TMD?
The symptoms of TMD can vary from person to person, but the most common ones to look out for include:
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Ear or eye pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Problems opening or closing your jaw
- Ringing ears
- Tooth sensitivity
- Ears ringing
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Tooth sensitivity
- Changes to your natural bite
- Numbness of the nerves
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to reach out to us. We can help you determine precisely where the issue lies.
What is TMD Therapy?
In Adelphi, Maryland, TMD therapy can include a wide range of therapeutic practices, including warm compresses applied to the jaw. However, many dentists will recommend fitting you with corrective aligners because they are one of the most effective ways to treat the issue permanently.
Why is that? Because one of the leading causes of TMD is an excessive amount of stress on the temporomandibular joint. This often occurs when teeth are incorrectly aligned or when the mouth is subject to overcrowding. Misalignment can impact your bite, which in turn has an impact on how you open and close your jaw. Correcting the underlying issue with corrective aligners can often prevent TMD from reoccurring completely.
Patients can treat TMD with a special retainer or surgery, depending on the cause and severity.
When Might You Need TMD Therapy?
If your face or jaw is causing you pain, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. They will check your teeth and gums to determine the cause of your discomfort and rule out any other issues such as gum disease before diagnosing you with TMD. If we determine that you do have TMD, then your dentist will talk to you about the possibility of starting TMD therapy and what that may entail for you in Adelphi, Maryland.
When Does Treatment Start to Be Effective?
That depends on the type of therapy you choose, but the most common treatment – clear correct aligners, can start to work within two weeks. You might need to wait a while for aligners to be custom-made from your dental impressions. In the meantime, warm compresses and jaw relaxation exercises will help.
Contact Ashley Dental Center to Get Started on TMD Therapy
TMD can be painful. At Ashley Dental Center, we work to help you reduce your pain and find the source of the dental concern.
There are several different treatment procedures available for TMD. There are several other symptoms that patients may have accompanying TMD.
Dr. Paul Ashley and Dr. Michael Ashley are TMD therapy experts.
If you’re looking for quality TMD therapy in Adelphi, Maryland, do not hesitate to get in touch with Ashley Dental Center by calling 301 439 5680. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]. We’ll perform a thorough examination and determine the cause of your concern. We’ll provide some recommendations and set a treatment plan.