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When Should You Consider Getting a TMJ Splint for Jaw Pain Relief?

 

When Should You Consider Getting a TMJ Splint for Jaw Pain Relief?

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort while chewing, it could be a sign that you’re dealing with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The TMJ is a hinge that connects your jaw to the side of your skull, and when it becomes misaligned or strained, it can lead to a variety of painful symptoms. In many cases, a TMJ splint can offer relief by addressing the underlying cause of the pain and improving the alignment of your jaw.

In this post, we’ll explore the signs that indicate you may benefit from a TMJ splint and why it's important to address TMJ-related issues early on.

What Is a TMJ Splint?

A TMJ splint is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over your teeth. Its primary function is to help realign the jaw and alleviate the symptoms caused by TMJ disorders. By keeping the jaw in a more neutral position, a TMJ splint can reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint, preventing pain, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching.

How Does a TMJ Splint Work?

A TMJ splint works by gently repositioning your jaw and preventing your teeth from grinding against each other. This helps to alleviate the tension and discomfort in the jaw muscles and the joint itself. It can also serve as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing wear caused by grinding or clenching, particularly while you sleep.

Signs You Should Consider Getting a TMJ Splint

1. Persistent Jaw Pain or Discomfort

If you experience chronic jaw pain or discomfort around the jaw, ear, or face, a TMJ disorder might be the culprit. This pain may worsen when you open your mouth wide (for example, when yawning or eating), or it may be constant and throbbing.

Why a TMJ Splint Helps: A TMJ splint helps reposition the jaw and reduce the strain on the temporomandibular joint, which can alleviate pain and reduce the likelihood of further injury.

2. Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Headaches, especially those that are located around the temples or behind the eyes, are common symptoms of TMJ disorders. If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, particularly upon waking up, it could be a result of teeth grinding or jaw clenching at night.

Why a TMJ Splint Helps: By preventing grinding and clenching, a TMJ splint reduces the tension in the muscles of the jaw and head, helping to prevent the headaches and migraines caused by these issues.

3. Clicking or Popping Sounds in the Jaw

If you hear a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth, it may indicate that the TMJ is not functioning properly. This can occur when the disc within the joint becomes displaced or when the joint is misaligned.

Why a TMJ Splint Helps: A TMJ splint can help realign the jaw and reduce the abnormal movement of the joint, potentially reducing or eliminating the clicking and popping sounds.

4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often linked to TMJ disorders and can cause significant wear on the teeth. If you wake up with sore teeth or jaw muscles, or if you’ve noticed your teeth are becoming flattened or chipped, it’s likely that you are grinding your teeth at night.

Why a TMJ Splint Helps: A TMJ splint acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the damage caused by grinding while also reducing jaw tension. This can help protect your teeth from further wear and tear.

5. Jaw Locking or Limited Range of Motion

If your jaw gets “locked” in a position or if you experience difficulty opening your mouth wide (known as limited jaw mobility), this could be a sign of a TMJ disorder. You may notice that your jaw feels stiff or that it’s painful to fully open your mouth.

Why a TMJ Splint Helps: The splint can help gently reposition the jaw, making it easier to open and close your mouth while also reducing stiffness and discomfort.

6. Facial Pain or Tenderness

TMJ disorders often cause facial pain, particularly around the jaw, cheeks, or temples. This pain may feel like a dull ache or sharp stabbing pain and may worsen with chewing or talking.

Why a TMJ Splint Helps: By reducing the strain on the jaw muscles, a TMJ splint can provide relief from the facial pain associated with TMJ disorders.

When Should You See a Dentist for a TMJ Splint?

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to consult a dentist for a thorough evaluation. A dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders can assess the condition of your jaw, teeth, and overall oral health to determine if a TMJ splint is the right solution for you.

The dentist will typically:

  • Perform a physical examination of the jaw.
  • Take X-rays to assess the condition of the TMJ and surrounding structures.
  • Discuss your symptoms and medical history.

If a TMJ splint is recommended, your dentist will create a custom-fitted splint that’s designed to suit your unique dental and jaw structure.

Conclusion

If you're dealing with jaw pain, teeth grinding, or other symptoms associated with TMJ disorders, a TMJ splint can provide effective relief. This simple yet powerful dental appliance can help realign your jaw, reduce muscle tension, and prevent damage from teeth grinding. The sooner you address TMJ-related issues, the better your chances of preventing more severe complications in the future.

Get in Touch with Whiteline Dentals!

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t wait for the discomfort to worsen. Contact Whiteline Dentals today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dental professionals. We can assess your condition and provide a custom TMJ splint to help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

Contact Us Today:
📞 General Inquiries:
☎ 9633563345
☎ 98461 71417

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