About TMJ in Wichita, KS
TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. Dr. Sheri Love is a Dawson-trained dentist, with the expertise you want when it comes to treating TMD – and that means real, lasting relief from headaches, migraines, jaw pain and other chronic discomforts that come with TMD. There are three main types of TMD:
- Muscular – Myofacial pain is the most common type of TMD. It causes tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the jaw muscles and the tissue surrounding the jaw. It is often characterized by pain when chewing as well as difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- Structural – Structural TMD involves issues with the jaw joint and the tissue surrounding it. These may be characterized by clicking or popping sounds as well as very limited movement of the jaw.
- Acute / Trauma Related – These issues are the result of injuries to the jaw. The jaw may be dislocated or fractured as a result of trauma.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
Jaw Pain
Jaw Tenderness
Difficulty Chewing
Chronic Earache
Headaches
Neck Pain
Facial Pain
Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Popping or Clicking
Consequences of Untreated TMJ
When left untreated, TMD can lead to:
Headaches
Persistent Earaches
Difficulty Chewing
Pain in the Head, Neck, Shoulders
Bruxism or Clenching
Tooth Wear
Lockjaw
Chronic, untreated TMJ disorder can affect your entire body. You may experience numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers. It may affect your ability to sleep through the night and your sense of balance. Ringing in the ears, vertigo, and dizziness are possible, as well as permanent damage to the bones in your jaw.
How Is TMD Treated in Wichita, KS?
Botox
Botox injections can be used to safely and effectively treat TMJ Disorder. They relax the jaw muscles and reduce the tension in the joint. This helps with both pain and headaches. The injection only takes minutes and the results can last up to six months. Botox can also prevent teeth grinding associated with TMJ Disorder.
Bite Splint
Reversing your TMJ disorder may be as simple as having a comfortable, removable bite splint created by Love Dentistry. Each splint is made of custom-fitted acrylic, which will place your jaws in a proper resting position throughout the day or night. Soon, you’ll begin to see fewer headaches, less fatigue, and decreased muscle pain.
“Welcomed with a smile and taken good care of by knowledgeable, calming and personable staff! My family has been clients for as long as Dr. Love opened her doors. Highly recommended.”
— Victoria