TMJ and bruxism appliances for pain relief
With the involuntary grinding of teeth, bruxism can cause pain in many parts. It is often done without conscious thought and could be caused by psychological factors such as stress or anxiety. It also might occur because you’re not aligning your mouth correctly for some other reason, such as malocclusion. Dr. Mark A. Miller of Snow Park Dental in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can walk patients through the process of diagnosing and treating conditions that can become problematic for the smile and overall health, including bruxism and TMJ.
What are the symptoms of bruxism?
Symptoms include worn down and cracked teeth, leading to facial muscle pains, chronic headaches and migraines, and damaged tissue in the mouth, including the cheeks and tongue. Because this occurs most during sleep time, sufferers typically aren’t aware of what causes their behavior until a sleeping partner advises them of what happens at night.
What happens if I don’t treat my bruxism?
When left unchecked, bruxism could lead to TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joints are located between your cheekbones and ears, where the lower jaw connects with the skull. Crunching or grinding can then occur due to a malfunction of these joints, which can destroy cartilage and cause pain over several areas, including the face, ears, and even down through the neck and shoulders. Patients might also experience tinnitus, nausea, and dizziness that can impact their day-to-day lives and activities.
How is bruxism treated?
Dr. Mark A. Miller will ask you about your symptoms to give a proper diagnosis and discuss possible treatment. Treatment may include a mouth appliance for TMJ, also known as an occlusal splint or nightguard. These custom-shaped acrylic resin appliances fit over teeth to protect them from grinding while sleeping, and it might just be what helps put a stop to the problem once and for all! It can provide TMJ headache relief, as well as jaw pain relief. Dr. Mark A. Miller may also discuss with patients lifestyle changes to help relieve symptoms, including stress management and regular exercise.
Call Snow Park Dental to schedule your next appointment with our TMJ doctor, Dr. Mark A. Miller
Our team is here to provide preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental care to help patients achieve optimum oral health and wellness—as well as a beautiful smile! Contact our facility today by calling (505) 596-4479 to schedule an appointment at our Albuquerque, NM, area practice. We also serve patients and families from the surrounding communities, including Los Lunas, Rio Rancho, Corrales, and Edgewood. Our practice is conveniently located at 9430 Indian School Road Northeast and is open to new patients and households seeking comprehensive dental care in the area.
