Dealing with Dental Damage Caused by TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. This joint operates like a sliding hinge, allowing the jaw to open, close, and bite comfortably. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder occurs when the joint slides out of position, or is not aligned properly. TMJ disorder limits jaw movement and causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms, as well as dental damage.

At his dental practice, Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen offers treatment for dental damage caused by TMJ disorder. He also offers TMJ treatment to address the cause of TMJ disorder so that his Fountain Valley, CA, patients can restore oral comfort and avoid future dental complications.

How Does TMJ Disorder Cause Dental Damage?

TMJ disorder primarily affects jaw functions. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw and/or facial pain, limited jaw movement, and lockjaw (when the jaw gets stuck in either an open or shut position). While TMJ disorder can largely impact the jaw and oral functions, it can also lead to dental damage.

TMJ disorder is usually the result of a misaligned jaw, or of excess stress and tension in the jaw. Because of this, most individuals who suffer from TMJ disorder have an uneven bite, or a bite that places more pressure on some teeth than others. It is also common for sufferers of TMJ disorder to routinely grind or clench their teeth, a condition called bruxism. In either case, our Fountain Valley patients are likely to suffer from dental damage, most often on the back teeth, or those closest to the jaw joint. 

Treating Damage Caused by TMJ Disorder

Dental damage wears down tooth enamel, weakens the teeth, and can eventually expose the sensitive nerves and tissues at the center of the tooth, thus increasing the risk of infection. To prevent serious dental complications it is important to treat dental damage caused by TMJ disorder. 

There are several restorative dentistry treatments that may be used to repair damaged tooth enamel. The treatment that is right for each of our Fountain Valley patients depends on the degree of damage. Possible treatments include:

• Dental bonding
• Dental filling
• Dental crown

TMJ Treatment to Prevent Dental Damage

It is important to repair dental damage as soon as possible to prevent further dental complications, including root canal infection. However, unless the cause of dental damage is addressed, the teeth will continue to be vulnerable to injury. Dr. Mortensen offers TMJ treatment to improve jaw functions and prevent further dental damage.

At our dental practice, we treat TMJ disorder with neuromuscular dentistry. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on placing the jaw in the correct resting position, so that it is aligned properly. This is usually achieved through orthodontic treatment or the use of dental mouthguards. 

Contact Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen

If you suffer from TMJ disorder and have developed dental damage, Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen can customize a treatment plan to repair your teeth and correct the position of your jaw. To learn more about TMJ treatment, send us a message online, or call (714) 964-4183 to schedule an appointment.