Is Jaw Pain Disrupting Your Life?

Jaw pain can be more than just a nuisance; it can significantly disrupt your daily life, affecting your ability to eat, speak and even sleep comfortably. While occasional jaw discomfort may be attributed to temporary factors like stress or muscle tension, chronic jaw pain could be a sign of underlying conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or bruxism. At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ and bruxism to provide patients with relief from debilitating jaw pain.

Understanding TMJ and Bruxism

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism are two common conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, leading to chronic jaw pain and discomfort. While they are often connected, they are two separate oral conditions.

TMJ Disorder (TMD)

TMJ disorder refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. TMD can be caused by factors such as jaw misalignment, injury to the joint, arthritis or excessive stress on the jaw muscles. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain, clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing and jaw stiffness or locking.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition characterized by involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, typically during sleep. While occasional teeth grinding may not cause significant problems, chronic bruxism can lead to jaw pain, tooth wear, enamel erosion and other dental issues. Many individuals with bruxism are unaware of their grinding habits until they experience symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches or tooth sensitivity.

Treatment Options for TMJ and Bruxism

At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we offer a range of treatment options to address TMJ disorder and bruxism and provide patients with relief from jaw pain and discomfort. Our comprehensive approach may include:

• Occlusal Splints: Occlusal splints, also known as nightguards or bite guards, are custom-made oral appliances that are worn while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding and alleviate jaw muscle tension. These dental nightguards help protect the teeth from damage and promote proper jaw alignment, reducing the risk of TMJ-related symptoms.
• Dental Treatments: In some cases, dental treatments such as orthodontic therapy, dental restorations, or bite adjustments may be recommended to address underlying factors contributing to TMJ disorder or bruxism. Restoring proper alignment of the teeth and jaws can help alleviate jaw pain and improve overall oral health.
• Medications: In certain situations, medications such as muscle relaxants, pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of TMJ disorder or bruxism. These medications can provide temporary relief from jaw pain and discomfort while addressing underlying inflammation or muscle tension.

Seek Relief from Jaw Pain at Sacramento Emergency Dentist

If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain or discomfort, do not let it disrupt your life any longer. Contact Sacramento Emergency Dentist today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. We specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder and bruxism to provide patients with relief from debilitating jaw pain and improve overall oral health. Do not suffer in silence – let us help you find relief and get back to enjoying life to the fullest. We are open seven days a week. Call us today at our dental center in Elk Grove, CA, to book your jaw pain evaluation.