Dr. Welinsky offers comprehensive dental services in Towson, MD, including diagnosis and treatment for complex dental problems such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Commonly called TMJ, a TMD can have a variety of causes, most of which are related to an imbalance in the bite, which puts pressure on the jaw joints.
TMJ often results in pain, headaches, and clicking or popping of the jaw point. TMJ can also lead to teeth grinding and/or clenching, which can cause damage to the teeth and gums over time. Dr. Welinsky also provides restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in and around Towson, Maryland.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
In almost all cases, a TMJ disorder will cause tooth wear and may contribute to tooth decay and/or (gum) disease. Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching, often characterized by tooth wear
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Limited mobility in the jaw
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing jaw
One of the most common TMJ symptoms is bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding. TMJ problems can make your jaw feel tense or misaligned, which can lead to clenching and grinding (bruxism). Your body may react to jaw pain or discomfort by tightening the muscles without you even realizing it, especially at night while you sleep.
Stress also contributes to this symptom. When you’re stressed, you might clench your teeth during the day or grind them at night, which puts more strain on your jaw joint. Over time, this can make TMJ symptoms worse. It can cause more pain, jaw stiffness, and even tooth damage.
TMJ Treatment in Towson, MD
Dr. Welinsky will evaluate all aspects of your occlusal system during a thorough dental exam to determine the cause of your bite problem and appropriate treatment. Dr. Welinsky can identify any deficiency in the bite or stress in the jaw joints. He uses this information to personalize your treatment and ensure that your results will provide a lasting, comfortable smile.
Mouthguard and Splint Therapy
As a conservative option, Dr. Welinsky may often recommend a mouthguard or dental splint to alleviate specific symptoms of TMJ disorder. A mouthguard or splint is often the first step, used early in treatment and not needed as a long-term solution. A dental split can be helpful to help identify a comfortable and stable bite position.
Wearing a TMJ nightguard during sleep keeps the teeth apart and prevents teeth clenching and grinding.
A custom-made nightguard is designed to fit your mouth comfortably. It works by reducing pressure on the jaw, allowing the muscles to relax and preventing damage to your teeth. Over time, using a nightguard can help ease jaw pain, headaches, and stiffness caused by TMJ issues.
If you often wake up with jaw pain, sore teeth, or tension headaches, a TMJ nightguard might be right for you.
Bite Correction
This process is a series of adjustments made to the teeth, which may include:
- Removing tooth structure
- Applying dental crowns
- Invisalign treatment
- Dental implants
If your teeth don’t line up properly when you bite down, it can put extra stress on your jaw joint (TMJ) and the muscles around it. This can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and even teeth grinding. Bite correction helps by balancing your bite, so your jaw can move naturally without strain.
Invisalign
If the teeth are not in the proper position, you may need Invisalign may to reposition the teeth so they fit together harmoniously. Dr. Welinsky is a Baltimore area Invisalign provider. He may recommend Invisalign as an option when appropriate for restoring balance to the bite. Straigthening crooked teeth can also support your long-term dental health.
Restorative Dentistry
In cases where teeth have been significantly worn and damaged restorative dentistry may be needed to bring the teeth back to their proper health and beauty. Dr. Welinsky may use dental crowns, or cosmetic tooth bonding to restore your teeth to create proper tooth contact.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Discover more about TMJ treatment in Towson, MD, with answers to these common questions:
How long can a TMJ flare-up last?
A TMJ flare-up can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the cause and how it’s treated. Some people experience mild discomfort that goes away quickly, while others may have ongoing pain and stiffness for days or even weeks. If the pain lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back, please contact our office.
What happens if TMJ goes untreated?
If TMJ isn’t treated, it can lead to serious problems over time. The pain and stiffness may get worse, making it hard to chew, speak, or even open your mouth fully. Some people develop chronic headaches, ear pain, or neck pain because the jaw joint is connected to other muscles in the face and head.
Untreated TMJ can also cause jaw locking or clicking, which may make eating or talking uncomfortable. In severe cases, the joint can become damaged, leading to long-term jaw problems.
If you have TMJ symptoms that don’t go away, please contact us for treatment.
What causes TMJ to flare up?
Most commonly, TMJ flare-ups are caused by stress. When you’re stressed, you may clench or grind your teeth without realizing it, putting extra pressure on your jaw.
Hormonal changes or certain medications can also cause clenching as a side effect. Certain hard and chewy foods can also cause TMJ problems to act up. Foods like gum, tough meats, or crunchy snacks can overwork the jaw muscles and make TMJ symptoms worse.
Poor posture can also negatively impact the TMJ. Slouching or looking down at screens for long periods can strain your neck and jaw, leading to discomfort.
Schedule a Consultation and Dental Exam Today
Does your jaw hurt when you eat? Headaches? Unusual tooth wear? You may be suffering from TMJ and a consultation with Dr. Welinsky is highly recommended. We welcome new patients to join our family practice for TMJ treatment in Towson, MD.
Contact us at 410-449-7656 or use our online appointment request form and we will contact you shortly. Our Baltimore, MD area dentist office is convenient for patients in Towson, West Towson, Parkville, and many suburbs in Baltimore, MD.