Does your jaw hurt when you eat hard or crunchy foods? Do you often wake up with jaw pain? You may have TMD. The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw bone to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorders occur when these joints are under stress or pressure. Patients with TMD can experience jaw and orofacial pain, headaches, and migraines.
At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we offer TMJ treatment for patients in Boulder, CO. Dr. Rachel Barone works with patients on their occlusion problems. Occlusion is the contact between teeth. How teeth come together impacts the smile and can leave patients more prone to TMJ disorders, especially if they have malocclusion or a bad bite. Dr. Barone helps patients restore the bite. Gunbarrel Dental Center also provides other restorative dentistry treatments in Boulder, Colorado.
TMD Symptoms
Signs of TMJ disorders often include:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Headaches and migraines
- Tooth wear, chips, and cracks
- Jaw pain and toothaches
Please call our office if you notice any changes in the comfort of your teeth, face, or jaw. Dr. Barone will thoroughly examine your teeth and jaw. She will also take x-rays to look for signs of wear in the teeth and jaw.
TMJ Treatment in Boulder, CO
Occlusal splints or nightguards help patients who clench and grind their teeth. Typically, patients experience bruxism unconsciously during sleep. Dr. Barone can create custom occlusal splints using dental impressions to help TMD patients. She may also discuss airway problems with patients as tooth wear can be associated with problems like snoring and sleep apnea.
TMD nightguards are made of hard acrylic that covers the upper or lower row of teeth. Dr. Barone will ensure that the nightguard is shaved down to have equal contact with each tooth. Wearing a nightguard during sleep relaxes the jaw muscles and the TMJ. Nightguards also prevent further tooth wear because they create a barrier between teeth. Patients with mild to moderate TMD benefit from wearing a nightguard to minimize painful symptoms.
Treat TMD Today
Are you tired of waking up with jaw pain and frequent headaches? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Barone online. You can also contact Gunbarrel Dental Center today at 720-881-0614.