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What if I’m Anxious at the Dentist?
September 5, 2023Do you regularly notice soreness in your jaw that either radiates down your neck or upwards, resulting in nagging headaches? You may be in need of TMJ treatment from our Cadillac, MI, dentists. Contrary to what some patients might fear, this doesn’t immediately involve surgery or anything invasive.
Here are 3 that we can move forward with to alleviate your condition.
Evaluation Time
Not all jaw issues are immediately . Of course, oral pain is still something that should be taken seriously which is why we’ll utilize several diagnostic methods and possibly even consult with your primary care doctor to be sure what you’re experiencing is indeed a TMJ disorder.
Our dentists will start with a dental exam where we’ll take note of:
- How well you can open/close your mouth (range of motion)
- Whether you notice discomfort if certain areas of your face or jaw are pressed
- The feeling of your jaw joints as you open/close your mouth
Anything abnormal found will be further examined using dental X-rays. Looking beneath the surface will allow our dentists to confirm any suspicions they may have and gather additional information that can influence your treatment. If our dentists believe that other scans, i.e., CT or MRI, are needed, we will let you know.
Treating Mild to Moderate TMJ Pain Can Mean:
1) You’re Given a Custom Bite Splint or Night Guard
Unlike products you might find at the store, our are created to fit your mouth and your mouth only. Because they’re custom made using an impression of your teeth, these dental appliances are more comfortable when worn and are capable of keeping your jaw in a better position.
There’s no metal used in the construction of the bite splint or night guard as our dentists favor hard acrylic resin instead. Depending on the design, the splint may cover a few or all of your upper or lower teeth, similar to how a mouth guard fits, but less bulky.
If your TMJ pain is associated with excessive (bruxism), bite splints also come in handy for this as well. You may be instructed to wear the device during the day if necessary but oftentimes, it is only worn at night or while you’re home.
2) Consistent Jaw Stretching Exercises
When you’re tense before or after a workout, stretching can help you loosen up. In a similar vein, running through a list of every day can relieve pain you’re feeling in your jaw and face as a whole. Keep in mind, however, that these exercises are not recommended for instances of severe pain and should only be done once any heightened discomfort has subsided a bit.
Our dentists can give you pointers on how to start a TMJ exercise regimen and even demonstrate how the moves are performed if you’d like to see for yourself. In general, these variations on opening and closing the mouth can:
- Make the jaw muscles stronger
- Help relax the jaw
- Lead to greater jaw mobility and better healing
- Reduce the instance of jaw clicking
3) You Apply Heat, Ice, & Take Time to Massage
Comforting heat and a refreshing ice pack are always a great combination when it comes to aches and pains. Our dentists recommend placing warm, moist heat on the side of your face that is bothering you most. You can also put the ice pack in the same spot as well but only leave it in place for 15 minutes at a time, covered in a thin towel.
When you’re taking a break from the heat and ice, try gently massaging your jaw muscles for a few minutes. Pace yourself and try to not be too rough with your movements.
Seek Treatment From Our Dentists
Our dentists in Cadillac, MI, never want you to feel like you have to deal with your jaw pain on your own. We encourage you to come into our office and be evaluated for a TMJ disorder so we can give you the help you need. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 to request an appointment.
