At Cary Family Dental, serving Cary, Apex, Durham, and the greater Raleigh area, Dr. Allan Acton and his experienced team specialize in diagnosing and treating these complex conditions.
The Link Between Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joints are the hinges on each side of your face that connect your jawbone to your skull. They allow you to talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints become inflamed or damaged, it results in a TMJ disorder, often simply called “TMJ.”
Bruxism is a condition where you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. This can happen during the day but most often occurs during sleep. The constant pressure and stress from bruxism place an enormous strain on your jaw muscles and the TMJ itself. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, joint damage, and significant pain.
Warning Signs of a TMJ Disorder
TMJ symptoms can be subtle at first but may worsen without proper attention. If you experience any of the following, it might be time to seek a professional evaluation:
- Persistent Headaches: Often mistaken for tension headaches, TMJ-related headaches are common.
- Jaw Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort in your jaw muscles is a primary indicator.
- Clicking or Popping: A noticeable sound or sensation when you open or close your mouth.
- Earaches or Ringing: Pain in or around your ear that isn’t caused by an infection.
- Difficulty Chewing: Pain or discomfort while eating.
- Lockjaw: Your jaw may get stuck in an open or closed position.
Without proper treatment, a TMJ disorder can cause a wide variety of health concerns that interrupt your daily routine. The chronic pain can affect your sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
Finding a Solution at Cary Family Dental
Self-diagnosing a TMJ condition is difficult, as its symptoms overlap with other issues. To get an accurate diagnosis, it is important to see a dentist like Dr. Acton, who understands the complexities of TMJ disorders. The team at Cary Family Dental can identify the root cause of your pain and provide solutions tailored to your needs.
Dr. Acton provides multiple options to both correct the problem and alleviate your symptoms. This may include creating a custom-fitted nightguard to prevent teeth grinding, recommending physical therapy exercises, or suggesting other advanced treatments to restore proper jaw function.
Don’t let jaw pain control your life. If you live in Cary, NC, or the surrounding Raleigh and Durham communities, contact Cary Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allan Acton. Let our team help you find lasting relief and get back to living comfortably.
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
