TMJ & Occlusal/Bite Dental Treatments

TMJ & Occlusal/Bite Dental Treatments in Santa Fe, NM

Misaligned teeth and actions as simple as gum chewing can cause chronic headaches, earaches and popping of the jaw. The TMJ, your temporomandibular joint, is named for where the temple area of skull and your mandible (lower jaw) meet. If you are suffering any of these symptoms after the loss of a tooth or trauma to the jaw area, now’s the best time to visit Dr. Theodore David Cho, DDS.

Temporomandibular Disorder

The temporomandibular joint, like all bone-to-bone connections, have cartilage and surrounded by muscle. Any trauma to the muscles or deterioration of the cartilage causes pain to the area.

Subconsciously grinding teeth causes TMJ symptoms on many levels. It wears down enamel and exposes sensitive dentin to decay which may lead to tooth loss. The pressure from the grinding can cause sore muscles in your face and neck, and make your face feel tired. Dr. Theodore David Cho recommends a night guard to minimize impact to your joints.

Custom made Athletic Guards and Night Guards

If you grind your teeth or play sports, Dr. Theodore David Cho will customize athletic mouth guards and night guards to protect your mouth from trauma. A custom solution will fit better and allow for better breathing than an over the counter tray.

If left untreated TMD can be a constant discomfort. If you suspect you may have TMJ, come in for a consultation with Dr. Theodore David Cho, DDS.