Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the little hinge that makes your jaw open and close. When something’s wrong with it, it’s a condition known as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. While TMD starts in your mouth, its effects move throughout your body — and can negatively impact everything from your balance to the function of your hands and fingers. Keep reading to learn more about the condition, how it affects your body, and its treatment from Dr. Michael Michel: he’s your TMJ dentist in Silver Lake, KS.
TMJ Disorder: Symptoms, Consequences and Treatment in Silver Lake
The symptoms TMJ disorder, which we’ll refer to as TMD from here on out, are diverse and may vary between each sufferer. Some of the signs that you or a loved one may be suffering from TMD include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Discomfort in the jaw while eating
- Locking of the jaw, inhibiting proper opening and closing
- Headaches
- Jaw, face, ear, neck or back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
If you’re suffering from one or more of these symptoms, you should schedule a TMD consultation with Dr. Michel in Silver Lake. Successful diagnosis and treatment are your only hope for finding that much-needed relief.
How Your TMJ Affects Your Health
The TMJ is made up of muscles, blood vessels, bones and nerves. It’s the most important joint in your body, and almost half of all your body’s nerve impulses run through it — so it’s not surprising that when you’ve got TMD, you feel it throughout your whole body.
Aside from causing migraines, head, neck, ear and face pain, TMD can greatly affect your overall equilibrium, which can cause major problems with balance over a long period of time — placing continued stress on the hips, knees, back and neck.
TMD Treatment in Silver Lake
Once you’ve received a correct TMD diagnosis, that’s great news. Dr. Michel can put you on the way to a treatment that helps you find the relief you’ve dreamed about.
To begin your TMD treatment, Dr. Michel uses the very latest technology to determine what your optimal jaw alignment is, and to assess whether or not any jaw joint damage exists. Many patients find relief with a removable oral device worn during sleep — it eases stressed jaw muscles and promotes correct alignment.
For patients who don’t find relief with an oral device, one of the following treatments may help them find relief.
- Building up the back teeth to correct misaligned bites
- Stress management techniques
- Lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, reduced alcohol consumption, more sleep)
Schedule your appointment at the office of Dr. Michel today. We’ll help you find relief from TMD. We’re here to help our neighbors in Silver Lake, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan and all surrounding areas — call us today!