Do You Have TMD Symptoms?

When the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are fatigued or damaged, it can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD) symptoms. Marielaina Perrone DDS can treat your TMJ Disorder with therapies specific to the TMJ joint. She is well experienced and has extensive training to diagnose and treat TMD. 

With a complete and thorough dental examination, she can create a customized treatment plan for patients in the Las Vegas area that focuses on restoring and enhancing their oral health. During this exam, she will observe the patient’s jaw’s range of motion and suggest the best possible TMD treatment to restore a misaligned or overworked joint.

Understanding The Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge-type joint that connects the skull directly to the lower jaw. It should slide forward freely during function (eating and speaking). 

When these facial muscles and joints are overworked, inflamed, or damaged, patients will experience symptoms of TMJ Disorder. TMD is any abnormality that affects the TMJ from working optimally.

What Can Cause TMD Symptoms?

There are several reasons for your jaw to become misaligned. Potential causes of TMD can include:

• Increased Stress – can result in increased teeth grinding or clenching
• Cartilage damage. Arthritis can be a primary culprit here.
• Teeth grinding
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• Dislocation of the soft disc between the ball and socket of the joint
• Trauma to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or neck, and head muscles.

 When dysfunction is present, the disk of the joint erodes or shifts out of alignment. This misalignment can cause jaw popping and clicking. Dr. Perrone can help her patients treat their TMD and alleviate symptoms. 

TMD Symptoms Las Vegas

Many patients describe TMD pain as a dull ache near the jaw joint and surrounding facial areas. Common symptoms of TMD can include:

• Ringing Ears
• Dizziness
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Jaw Clicking, grating sounds, or popping sound upon opening or closing the jaw joint
• Locking jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Limited or stiff jaw movement
• Chronic headaches
• Stiffness in the jaw muscles
• Ear pressure and earaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

When you notice any of the above TMD symptoms or any unexplained dental pain, it is essential to contact Marielaina Perrone DDS for a dental examination so she can determine the root cause of the discomfort or pain.

Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Dr. Perrone offers a complete evaluation of TMJ to patients in Las Vegas, NV experiencing TMJ symptoms. She will ask questions to learn about possible symptoms along with a possible history of issues. 

Next, she observes the joint’s range of motion while listening to the sounds that the jaw makes when opening and closing. Radiographs can be taken to assess your TMJ visually.

Following TMD diagnosis, a bite analysis can be used to help her choose the best TMJ therapy. She will take note of a patient’s age, health history, how well they can handle treatments, how long has TMD been causing pain, and a patient’s personal choices to determine the best possible TMJ therapy. 

No plan of action for TMJ disorders will be effective without patient input.

TMJ Disorders Treatment

Marielaina Perrone DDS offers the following conservative TMJ treatment:

• Custom Fabricated Nightguard – This custom oral appliance fits comfortably into your mouth and protects from grinding and clenching while you sleep. This custom oral appliance will be comfortable to wear.
• Botox – to relax muscles and to reduce TMJ pain.

Other basic TMD treatments include:

• Choosing soft foods
• Use of muscle relaxers
• Avoiding extreme jaw movements
• Adjust sleep position. Sleeping on the back with a firm pillow can help.
• Keep your teeth slightly apart when possible throughout the day.
• Learning relaxation techniques. These may help to control muscle tension in the jaw.

Dr. Perrone can also recommend crowns and bridges if the TMD is due to worn teeth. Those who are clenching and grinding will eventually wear away their teeth and shorten them.

If all else fails, Dr. Perrone will recommend a referral for a possible surgery evaluation.

Learn More About TMJ Therapy Treatment In Las Vegas

When you are experiencing frequent headaches, earaches, or jaw joints clicking or popping, it’s essential to schedule an appointment for an evaluation for TMJ disorders. 

To learn more about alleviating your TMJ pain and starting TMJ therapy, call 702-458-2929 to schedule an appointment with Las Vegas dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS.