Is TMD Bringing You Down?

Is TMD Bringing You Down?

Welcome back to the Total Dental Care of South Carolina blog!

November is moving right along and everyone here in the Midlands is gearing up for the holiday season that kicks off with Thanksgiving gatherings, good southern cuisine, and plenty of football.

We hope you are ready too!

You should know that we are here for you throughout the year and throughout your life to deliver all the high quality oral health care that your family depends on.

Your Columbia, SC dentist’s office grasps that dentistry is about a lot more than polishing teeth. We see the interconnectedness of your body’s systems and know that sometimes bigger issues can actually have a dental solution.

One problem set that can wreak havoc on your overall well being is when things go awry with your TMJs.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. We tend to take them for granted when they are functioning properly. But they are pretty essential to your health and happiness.

The TMJs are what move your jaw up and down and from side to side, allowing you to open your mouth, carry on a conversation and eat.

Issues with the TMJs, jaw and surrounding muscles are known collectively as temporomandibular dysfunction, and this is bad news for you. Plus it is hard to say which is why we use the medical shorthand, TMD.

TMD is the condition we treat for TMJ problems in our Columbia, SC practice.

What Is The Underlying Cause Of TMD?

Sometimes the root cause of TMD is obvious.

It can be something like bite problems or arthritis that causes swelling.

Habitual jaw clenching and stress-induced teeth grinding are also often to blame.

An accident that involves a blow to the face or neck can even dislocate the TMJs and set off this condition.

it is always easier to come up with a treatment plan when there is something we can point to.

However, sometimes the cause remains a mystery.

So, how do you know if you are afflicted?

Common symptoms of TMD are:

Pain in the jaw joints; pain around the ear; pain in the cheeks and facial muscles; inability to properly open and close the mouth; popping or clicking sounds when you chew; toothaches; and intense headaches.

That doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, don’t delay scheduling an appointment because we can probably get you some much needed relief fast.

The Diagnostic Process At Total Dental Care

Our main priority is restoring your health and eliminating all of the painful problems related to TMD.

Whether you realize it or not, TMD may be related to sinus problems, arthritis, sleep apnea and other conditions, so we will need to conduct a thorough physical examination and review your patient history to help us determine exactly what is causing the problem in your case.

Your visit may include diagnostic X-rays, CT scan or MRI.

Treatments For TMD In Columbia, SC

Treatments for TMD can be conservative, surgical or a combination of therapies.

Most experts recommend starting with conservative approaches like lifestyle changes and stress management before considering surgery. Patients with bruxism may be fitted with a splint or night guard to correct the bite and prevent teeth grinding.

We will work with you to find the solution that best fits your situation.

Contact us today at Total Dental Care to finally get some relief from your TMD!

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