If you've been living with persistent jaw pain, ear pain and headaches, you could have TMJ – temporomandibular jaw disorder. TMJ can often be traced back to an improper bite, misaligned jaw joints, or an injury to the jaw or face. As a craniofacial pain provider, Dr. Rebecca Bryan and Dr. John Curtis are able to determine if you have TMJ disorder and can provide orthopedic treatments for the condition. With extensive training and some of the most advanced equipment in the industry, Dr. Bryan and Dr. Curtis are experienced TMJ Treatment providers in Bentonville.
The joint that connects the lower and upper jaw – known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – is one of the most complex joints in the body. Part of what makes the TMJ unusual is that, unlike any other joint, the TMJ can be affected profoundly by the positioning of your teeth. If your bite is misaligned, for instance, it can cause the TMJs to close awkwardly, possibly leading to soreness. This may be the beginning of TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).
TMD is a degenerative condition and may worsen over time if no remedial action is taken. If left untreated, TMD can lead to episodic or even permanent lockjaw, as well as severe joint deterioration.
It’s important to take action as soon as possible if you think you may be suffering from TMD. If you live in the Bentonville area, we encourage you to make an appointment to with our team. The critical task in treating TMD is ensuring that your bite—which is interfering with the functionality of the TMJ—is adjusted so that your jaw can open and close without stressing and irritating your joints. There are several therapies and medications available to assist in the corrective process, such as the use of splint therapy or oral appliance therapy, where the patient wears a sturdy splint, often only at night, in an effort to correct the problematic bite, and the ensuing misalignment of the jaw. You will find products offered over-the-counter which purportedly help with TMD. These products are often fairly flexible and may be comfortable to wear. While they may temporarily relieve some of the jaw pain and headaches associated with TMD, these products don’t provide patients with the long-term adjustments that will solve the problem on a permanent basis.
CONTACT OUR Bentonville SLEEP APNEA DENTIST
If you reside in Bentonville or the surrounding area and are suffering from persistent jaw pain or soreness, headaches, migraines, or bouts of lockjaw, we encourage you to
schedule an appointment for an evaluation with our dental providers. We are able to provide non-surgical TMJ and TMD solutions in many cases.
