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GENERAL DENTAL SERVICES
TMJ and Jaw Disorders: Expert Care at Sunset Family Dentistry
Living with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders or chronic jaw pain can significantly affect your quality of life. At Sunset Family Dentistry in Clearwater, FL, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ and jaw disorders to help you find relief and restore full function to your jaw. With advanced technology and personalized care, we’re here to help you live pain-free and comfortably.
What Are TMJ and Jaw Disorders?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and yawn. TMJ disorders occur when there is dysfunction, inflammation, or misalignment in this joint, leading to a variety of symptoms, such as:
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Persistent jaw pain or tenderness
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Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
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Difficulty chewing or biting
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Jaw stiffness or locking
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Frequent headaches, earaches, or facial pain
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These disorders can be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, arthritis, trauma, or even an improper bite.
Identifying and treating the root cause is key to finding relief.
Our TMJ and Jaw Disorder Treatments
At Sunset Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of proven treatments to address TMJ disorders and alleviate jaw pain:
Custom Night Guards
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What It Is: A protective mouthpiece worn at night to reduce teeth grinding and clenching.
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How It Helps: Relieves pressure on the jaw joint and protects teeth from wear.
Bite Adjustment
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What It Is: Adjusting the alignment of your teeth to reduce strain on the TMJ.
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How It Helps: Balances your bite, reduces discomfort, and improves jaw function.
Advanced Treatments
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What It Is: For severe cases, we may recommend Botox therapy for muscle relaxation or collaborate with specialists for surgical intervention.
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How It Helps: Provides relief for complex or persistent TMJ issues.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you come to Sunset Family Dentistry in Clearwater, FL for TMJ and jaw pain, our team will:
A thorough exam to assess the extent of the chip or crack.
Perform a thorough examination of your jaw, bite alignment, and oral health.
Use advanced diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to identify the root cause of your discomfort.
Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Sunset Family Dentistry?
Expert Diagnosis
Our skilled team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
Advanced Technology
We use modern diagnostic tools for accurate assessments and effective treatments.
Patient-Centered Care
We prioritize your comfort and work to find the best solution for your lifestyle.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ and jaw disorders often present with a range of symptoms, including:
Pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
Tension headaches or migraines
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
Limited ability to open or close your mouth
Preventing TMJ Disorders
While some causes of TMJ disorders, like trauma or arthritis, are unavoidable, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
Avoid chewing gum or biting into hard foods.
Practice good posture to reduce neck and jaw tension.
Manage stress to prevent clenching or grinding.
Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth at night.