In short: Yes, TMJ can lead to worn teeth.
When the teeth, muscles, and jaw joints are not working in harmony, it can lead to an imbalance in the bite. When the biting surfaces of the teeth are misaligned, or you regularly clench or grind your teeth, it can lead to worn, damaged, or broken teeth.
Excessive wear on the teeth can lead to sensitive teeth, chewing difficulties, chipping of the teeth, and nerve exposure. For many patients, tooth wear can happen gradually over a long period of time. Many patients don’t realize they have teeth wear until they visit the dentist. Under the care of an experienced dentist like Dr. Andrew Cobb, your treatment will compose of these key things: addressing the damage to the teeth, treating the underlying cause of tooth wear, and preventing further damage.
If you notice any changes to your dental health, contact our Washington, DC dentist office.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often referred to as the jaw joint. The TMJ is located at the base of the skull and helps connect the upper and lower jaw. When there is dysfunction in the TMJ, it is referred to as TMD or TMJ disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder can include the following:
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Sore Jaw
- Locked Jaw
- Sinus issues
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Toothaches
- Pain when opening and closing the jaw
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
Before starting treatment, Dr. Cobb will make a diagnosis based on the results from your examination and assessment of your dental health. Factors like your bite, extent of damage to the teeth, and movement of your teeth are assessed during your examination. If necessary, Dr. Cobb will use the Tscan to perform a bite analysis and assess the full function of the jaw for a clear diagnosis. Our dental care team will work with you every step of the way and recommend the best form of treatment for your unique dental needs.
Treating TMJ Disorder in Washington, DC
TMJ disorder is best treated conservatively. Dr. Cobb adopts this approach to dentistry because it offers patients the best possible outcome while keeping as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. An effective TMJ treatment should:
- alleviate your symptoms and pain
- Restore function to the jaw
- Enable you to enjoy normal activities like eating, laughing, and speaking without pain
Treatment for TMJ disorder may require one or more of the following:
- Lifestyle changes
- Splints / Occlusal Devices
- Changes to the occlusion (bite) to correct problems or miss-alignment
- Stress management
Schedule A Consultation
If you notice broken, damaged, or worn teeth, be sure to contact our Washington, DC dentist office. Dr. Cobb is a highly trained and well-respected dentist in the metropolitan area. He can work with you to improve the health and function of your natural smile. To learn more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with DC dentist Dr. Andrew Cobb. To schedule an appointment, call or request an appointment online.