Working With Patients To Manage Chronic Jaw Pain

How can your dentist help you address reoccurring pains in your face and jaw? If you have problems with your jaw joints that create functional issues and discomfort, will it take an involved treatment to improve your situation? Patients who suffer TMJ dysfunction, or problems with their jaw joints, can receive care that is less intrusive than they may anticipate. What your dentist can do is provide you with a special oral appliance to wear while you rest. Once inserted, the appliance will hold your jaw in a more comfortable position, which alleviates discomfort you feel. Seeking care for oral health problems is important – when you do nothing about an issue, you leave yourself at risk for it to worsen over time, and create new issues.

Seek Care If You Develop Recurring Or Frequent Jaw Pains

Ongoing discomfort from TMJ dysfunction may make it more difficult to chew, swallow, or speak. You can also develop a habit of teeth grinding because of this issue (in some cases, grinding your teeth can actually lead to the problems with your jaw joints). If you develop bruxism, a habit of grinding your teeth, you can damage them to the point that restorative dental care becomes necessary.

Taking Care To Address The Damage Left By Bruxism

For patients who develop a habit of teeth grinding, an oral appliance from your dentist can spare your teeth from any damage. However, some patients will wait until this habit has already led to problems. Your dentist can provide restorative work if teeth are seriously impacted. If you are concerned about more minor flaws, your dentist can help through performing cosmetic dental care.

Talk To Family First Dental About Addressing Chronic Jaw Pain

At Family First Dental, we are committed to helping our patients enjoy a healthy and happy smile that is free of oral health concerns. If you are dealing with the problem of TMJ dysfunction or teeth grinding, we can help address these problems, so that you can avoid discomfort and dental damage. To schedule a consultation, call Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.