Do you find yourself clenching your teeth or jaw unconsciously during the day? Do you often wake up with a headache? You could have TMD. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are bite problems that occur when there is damage or pressure to the joints that connect the jaw bone to the skull—the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) aid in biting and chewing.
TMJ disorders can create discomfort and pain in and around these joints. Dr. Christopher Banks offers TMJ treatment for patients at Dupont Dental in Washington, DC. Receiving TMJ treatment can restore the smile’s function and comfort. In addition to providing TMJ treatment, we provide many restorative dental treatments in Washington, DC.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can have many symptoms. Common tell-tale signs of TMD can include:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Morning headaches
- Pain when eating hard or crunchy foods
- Earaches
- Tooth pain
- Jaw clicking and popping
It’s essential to contact a dentist if you experience these symptoms, as TMD can worsen over time. Addressing TMD early on can prevent tooth wear, difficulty eating, lockjaw, and other everyday problems.
TMJ Treatment in Washington, DC
Patients who experience teeth clenching and grinding during sleep benefit from custom-made nightguards. A professional nightguard is made of a hard plastic material, typically acrylic, and covers the upper or lower tooth arch.
Dr. Banks will take dental impressions to ensure the nightguard and the teeth are in proper contact. Nightguards cover the teeth to prevent bruxism and minimize tooth wear. Wearing a nightguard during sleep can also reduce headaches and jaw pain.
In addition to nightguards, we will recommend physical therapy for TMD patients. During physical therapy, patients learn to stretch muscles in their face, jaw, arms, shoulders, and back. Good posture and a soft diet can also help alleviate TMD pain and make everyday life more comfortable for patients.
Many patients with TMD encounter jaw and tooth pain when eating hard or crunchy foods. Sticking to a soft diet for a time can alleviate stress on the jaw.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you experience frequent jaw pain and discomfort? Call Dupont Dental for treatment at (202) 946-4720. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online.