Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain? Do you clench and grind your teeth when stressed?
Dr. Jim Lassiter is a dentist in Jay, Florida that offers treatment for TMJ disorders. The temporomandibular joints which connect the jawbone to the skull may become tense and cause pain, developing a TMJ disorder. Many patients with TMJ may have a misaligned and imbalanced bite. Symptoms like teeth clenching and grinding may develop as a result. Other often painful symptoms can damage teeth and make it difficult to use the jaw and teeth properly.
Dr. Lassiter has dedicated much of his continuing education to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of complex problems related to occlusion, or the fit of the bite. As a Dawson trained dentist he uses the Complete Dentistry approach to evaluate how all aspects of your smile are working together including the jaw joints. He works with patients who have an uncomfortable bite or are experiencing the common symptoms of a TMJ disorder. This unique and thorough approach is designed to identify and treat the underlying cause of the problem for a permanent result. Addressing the root cause goes beyond symptomatic care and improves your long term oral health and wellness.
Causes of TMJ
Common causes of TMJ disorders can include:
- Malocclusion
- Crooked teeth
- Trauma to the jaw
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
Patients with these conditions are more prone to developing TMJ disorders because they put the jaw under pressure. This pressure can be painful and may result in even more dental problems for patients.
Symptoms of TMJ
Common signs of TMJ disorders to be aware of include:
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Teeth grinding
- Earaches
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, call our office. You may have a TMJ disorder or another oral health problem that can be treated by Dr. Lassiter.
TMJ Treatment
There are several treatment options that can help alleviate the painful symptoms of TMJ disorders, including:
Lifestyle Changes
When TMJ symptoms are mild, at-home options may help alleviate TMJ pain. Some of these solutions include:
- Jaw exercises
- Relaxing your facial muscles
- Sleeping on your side
- Using an ice pack in a clean cloth
- Using a heat pack
- Eating soft foods to help your jaw rest
However, if your TMJ pain is severe and frequent, you can call our office at 850.427.5891. Dr. Lassiter and his professional team will make sure that you can get effective treatment in our warm and friendly office.
Invisalign
If you have misaligned or crooked teeth and suffer from TMJ pain, Invisalign may help. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth gradually and give patients a more balanced bite. However, this option is not good for patients who clench and grind their teeth as a result of TMJ and cannot stop their bruxism.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances act like mouth guards, covering and protecting teeth to prevent further wear and tear. This treatment can be worn overnight or during anxiety-inducing situations. Oral appliances take the pressure off of the jaw and prevent teeth from clenching and grinding.
Restorative Solutions
If teeth have become worn down or damaged due to a TMJ disorder, Dr. Lassiter will help coordinate restorative and cosmetic treatment. He offers dental crowns, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and more to restore the form and function of the patient’s teeth and gums.
Request a Consultation
Do you suffer from jaw or facial pain? You may have TMJ. Call our office to alleviate TMJ symptoms today at 850.427.5891. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lassiter and his team on our website. Our dental team is dedicated to helping patients find solutions to their dental problems.