Understanding the 4 Levels of Sedation Dentistry
Several types of sedation dentistry can help you get the dental care you need. Here’s what you need to know about the four levels of sedation dentistry and which one is right for you.
How an Occlusal Guard Helps Relieve TMJ Symptoms
Anyone experiencing TMJ symptoms knows how uncomfortable and disruptive they are. From ongoing pain to difficulty eating and sleeping, TMJ symptoms are not something you can (or should) ignore.
The key to helping you manage your TMJ symptoms is to address the underlying cause(s), whether it’s teeth grinding or joint damage from an injury or condition like osteoarthritis.
At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, our prosthodontist, Dr. Ramin Mahallati, and our team offer a range of preventive and cosmetic dentistry services for conditions like TMJ at our Beverly Hills, California, office.
What causes TMJ symptoms?
These factors contribute to TMJ pain, including:
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth)
- Jaw injury
- Arthritis
- Jaw misalignments
- Stress
- Repetitive motion
The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Face or neck pain
- Clicking or “popping” when opening your mouth
- Locking jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling
If you’re experiencing any new or persistent symptoms, contact us to schedule a consultation.
How an occlusal guard helps relieve TMJ symptoms
An occlusal guard (also known as a night guard or sports guard) helps to relieve TMJ symptoms by managing some of the underlying causes contributing to your symptoms, such as grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw while you sleep.
In addition to stressing your joints and causing pain and tenderness, bruxism can lead to long-term wear-and-tear on your teeth if left untreated.
Improves your alignment
If your TMJ symptoms are caused by bite or misalignment issues, a night guard keeps your jaw steady while you sleep, alleviating additional strain and stress on your joints.
Give your jaw muscles a break
Some of the secondary symptoms of TMJ disorder, like facial pain and headaches, are due to overworked and strained muscles in the face and neck. When your jaw muscles relax, they ease the strain and tension in your face, head, and neck after a long night of clenching and grinding your teeth.
Get a better night’s sleep
While you might not be aware that you’re clenching and straining your jaw while you sleep, the strain can interfere with your sleep and make it challenging to get the rest you need. Additionally, symptoms like headaches and pain can also disrupt your sleep. Over time, sleep loss can affect your quality of life and overall health.
If you have TMJ disorder, a night guard can relieve your symptoms and prevent further damage to your oral health.
For more information about TMJ symptoms and treatment, contact the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills.
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