Jaw pain, headaches, and worn-down teeth? Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might be the culprit behind these common issues. Left untreated, TMJ disorders (TMD) can lead to severe dental damage and ongoing discomfort. At Pence Family Dentistry, serving Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Indianapolis, we specialize in early TMJ diagnosis and treatment to protect your smile and improve your quality of life.
What Is TMJ and TMD?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are essential for simple yet vital functions like chewing, talking, and smiling. These joints connect your jaw to your skull, allowing for smooth movement and comfort. However, when these joints become strained or damaged, it leads to a condition known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder). This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with daily activities and affect your overall well-being.
Signs You Might Have a TMD
TMD can present itself through various symptoms, including persistent jaw pain, headaches, or even clicking sounds during movement. Other common signs include ear stuffiness or tinnitus, facial swelling, muscle spasms, and changes in your bite that may make chewing difficult. These symptoms may seem minor at first, but can worsen over time if ignored. Early warning signs like these are important to address, as untreated TMD often leads to cracked, worn, or even broken teeth as your jaw continues to face pressure and strain.
How Untreated TMJ Issues Damage Your Teeth
Ignoring TMJ problems doesn’t just mean living with constant pain; it can also have serious consequences for your teeth. Often, TMJ-related disorders cause nighttime grinding, or bruxism, which wears down your enamel and weakens your teeth. A misaligned bite from untreated TMD can distribute pressure unevenly, putting certain teeth under more strain than they can handle. Over time, this chronic tension can result in chipping, cracking, or even loose teeth, requiring extensive restorative work to repair the damage.
How Pence Family Dentistry Can Help
At Pence Family Dentistry, we provide advanced, personalized solutions to manage TMJ disorders and protect your oral health. Using a precise Cone Beam CT Scanner, we identify the root causes of your TMJ issues and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our NTI-tss™ splints are highly effective at preventing nighttime grinding and relieving jaw strain, ensuring both comfort and long-term protection. With Dr. Orey Pence’s expertise and the latest dental technology, you can trust us to restore balance to your jaw and safeguard your smile for years to come.
Why Early TMJ Treatment Matters
Getting ahead of TMJ issues doesn’t just protect your natural teeth; it can also spare you the need for costly restorative dental work like crowns or implants down the road. Early treatment can alleviate daily discomfort, helping you avoid headaches, jaw locking, and other debilitating symptoms. Most importantly, taking action now ensures that your smile stays healthy, functional, and pain-free.
Ready to Stop the Damage and Feel Better?
Don’t wait until TMJ symptoms lead to irreversible dental damage. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or suspect you might have a TMD, Pence Family Dentistry is here to help. We proudly serve patients in Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Indianapolis, offering comprehensive care to protect your smile and improve your comfort. Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile!
Contact Pence Family Dentistry:
317-842-2337
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9744 Lantern Rd
Fishers, Indiana
46037
