TMJ pain can be debilitating enough that it becomes difficult to perform simple daily tasks. When that happens, most people are willing to try just about anything to find some relief.
If that sounds like you, full mouth restoration may be able to help relieve your symptoms.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is an issue with the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. If the joint is not functioning properly, it can cause various issues that begin at the jaw but can spread to the face, head, neck, and shoulders.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
There is a long list of symptoms that can result from TMJ disorder. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing it, keep an eye out for the following:
- Stiff or sore jaw
- Facial pain
- Stiff or sore neck and shoulders
- Headaches and earaches
- Swelling of the face near the joint
- Difficult or painful chewing
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Popping or clicking sounds from the jaw
- A sensation of misalignment in upper and lower teeth
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms and they are persistent, speak to your dentist, and they will help you to reach a diagnosis and discuss potential solutions.
How Can Full Mouth Restoration Help Treat TMJ?
It may seem hard to believe, but full mouth restoration can help treat TMJ in certain instances. There are various reasons why a temporomandibular joint may be dysfunctional, and some of them require other treatments, but there is one that full mouth restoration can almost definitely address – a misaligned bite.
Misaligned bites lead to an uneven amount of pressure placed throughout the mouth, with certain areas taking a lot more of that pressure than others. As a result, these areas become strained and more susceptible to injury and damage. This issue can also lead to TMJ disorder.
With full mouth restoration, your bite can be totally reconfigured so that the pressure is evenly distributed throughout your mouth, and there are no areas taking on excessive stress. This can relieve your TMJ symptoms.
What Treatments Can Help TMJ in Full Mouth Restoration?
If you were to speak with your dentist about full mouth restoration to treat TMJ symptoms, they would most likely suggest some of the following treatments:
- Dental crowns
- Inlays
- Onlays
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
- Orthodontic treatment
Every case is unique when it comes to full mouth restoration, so the only way to know which treatments you are going to need is to have a consultation with your dentist. However, the odds are that the above treatments will make up most of your procedure.
Learn More About TMJ Disorder
If you are trying to get to the root of your TMJ disorder, your best bet is to learn all you can about it first. Check out the Los Angeles Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery blog to learn more.