Dental services for the treatment of tmj pain in carlsbad, california
When you think about all the different ways we move our jaws each day, you may realize that they are one of the most complex joints in the body. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) on each side of the jaw enable us to chew our food, swallow, talk, laugh, and communicate with others. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to dysfunction. Dr. Al A. Fallah in Carlsbad, California, is highly skilled at determining the underlying cause of TMJ dysfunction and offers various dental treatment services to help relieve your pain and discomfort.
WHAT CAUSES TMJ DISORDER?
TMJ dysfunction can arise due to several reasons, but two of the main issues that can lead to TMJ dysfunction are airway problems and teeth or jaw misalignment. If the lower and upper jaw are not aligned properly, or the teeth are misaligned in the arch, it stresses the muscles, teeth, cranial sutures, and the neck. Similarly, airway problems prevent your body from receiving oxygen, a vital element for proper function in the body. The teeth misalignment is like having a nagging pebble in your shoe day after day – you use your muscles and joints in a way that they are not designed to avoid placing pressure on the portion stepping on the pebble. Over time, it can lead to a series of adverse effects, such as:
- Tooth grinding and clenching
- Decreased bone density in the molars and premolars
- Unexplained pain in your teeth and jaw
- Receding gums
As the unnecessary stress continues to be placed on the jaw and TMJs, it can lead to a cascade effect of symptoms in the chewing structures, neck, ears, and head. These may include issues such as:
- Chronic headaches
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Tinnitus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Clicking, grinding, or popping in the joint
- Pain or pressure in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
Some patients experience multiple symptoms, whereas others might have one nagging symptom that could also be due to other underlying causes, making it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. Dr. Al Fallah is highly trained and skilled in identifying TMJ disorder and working with patients to treat rather than mask their symptoms.
IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE OF YOUR PAIN IS KEY TO YOUR TMJ TREATMENT PLAN
Patients who wake up with pain in the morning are more likely to have an oral health issue underlying their pain, and Dr. Fallah will work closely with you to determine the root cause. He may use the following diagnostic tools to get to the root cause of your pain:
- T Scan to assess bite forces
- Ultra-low dose 3D Cone Beam to visualize the TMJs, the airway, the cranial and cervical bones, and any hidden infections.
- PCR DNA testing to decide whether or not you have a chronic infection.
- K7 Electromyography
- Heart rate variability to assess the autonomic nervous system and more
In other cases, chronic stress and the resulting hormonal imbalance caused by excess cortisol can lead to a series of negative symptoms in your body, including TMJ dysfunction. The body continually feels like it is in the “fight” mode of the “fight or flight” response. The delicate balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can lead to a decrease in the production of essential hormones, a reduction in sleep quality, and even make the pH of your blood more acidic. Because of this, managing stress can also be a vital component of a TMJ treatment plan.
Based on a careful and thorough evaluation of your symptoms, Dr. Al Fallah will create a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.
That may include treatments such as modalities to deal with the TMJ dysfunction such as an orthotic for balancing the TMJs and the bite or VIVOS DNA appliance, or Invisalign® clear aligners for tooth misalignment or oral appliances to help keep the airway open while you sleep.
RELIEF FROM PAIN
With the proper dental care, you can find relief from your TMJ pain. To schedule an appointment at our Carlsbad, CA office, call us at (760) 730-1600 !
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