Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common condition that occurs when there is a problem with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain and discomfort. While many people may experience mild symptoms, it is crucial to seek early intervention from our TMJ dentist in Brookhaven, PA, to prevent the condition from worsening. In this blog, Dr. Victoria Crow discusses why early intervention is essential for TMJ disorder and how a dental specialist can help.
Preserve Jaw Alignment
Jaw alignment is crucial for dental health because it affects the way we chew and bite. When the jaw joint is not properly aligned, it can cause uneven wear on our teeth, leading to issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. By maintaining proper jaw alignment, we can ensure that our teeth and surrounding structures are functioning correctly, promoting overall dental health and reducing the risk of further complications.
One of the main reasons why early intervention is essential for TMJ disorder is to prevent jaw alignment problems. When the jaw joint is not aligned correctly, it can cause a variety of issues, such as difficulty chewing, clicking, or popping noises, and even lockjaw. Our TMJ dentist in Brookhaven, PA, can assess your jaw alignment and provide treatment options to correct any misalignment. This can prevent further damage to the joint and surrounding muscles.
Prevent Further Damage
The temporomandibular joint allows you to move your jaw up and down, side to side, and back and forth. When there is a problem with this joint, it can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and even the shoulders.
TMJ disorder is a condition that can become worse over time if it is left untreated. If ignored, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as chronic headaches, earaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. However, seeking early intervention from our TMJ dentist in Brookhaven, PA, can prevent these symptoms from occurring and stop the condition from getting worse. This can help you avoid experiencing more pain and discomfort in the future.
Find Conservative Treatment Options
Early intervention can lead to more conservative treatment options, as it allows our TMJ dentist in Brookhaven, PA, to manage symptoms before complications and irreversible damage occur. By addressing TMJ issues promptly, the range of potential treatments encompasses less invasive options, such as oral appliance therapy, physical therapy, or simple lifestyle modifications, which may include stress management and exercises that promote jaw relaxation.
On the other hand, delay in treatment might necessitate more aggressive approaches, like surgical interventions, which carry more significant risks and a longer recovery time.
Avoid Surgery
Severe cases of TMJ disorder may necessitate surgical intervention to rectify the issue successfully. Nevertheless, if you detect the problem early on and act, surgery can usually be avoided. By being proactive and addressing the condition in its initial stages, you can steer clear of more complicated, invasive, and expensive procedures down the line.
See Our Patient TMJ Dentist in Brookhaven, PA
Early intervention is essential for TMJ disorder to correct jaw alignment, find conservative treatment options, and avoid surgery. If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorder, it is vital to seek help from our TMJ dentist in Brookhaven, PA, as soon as possible. With her expertise and customized treatment plans, you can find relief from your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
