The Risks of Untreated TMJ Disorder

Did you know that, in the United States alone, 5 million people suffer from TMJ disorder? TMJ is a common condition that should be treated earlier to avoid certain complications. However, many people don't realize that there are significant health risks associated with untreated TMJ disorder. In fact, some studies have found that untreated TMJ disorder can be linked to headaches, migraines, high blood pressure and heart disease! In this blog, our TMJ specialist Albuquerque has listed the risks associated with untreated TMJ disorder.

Jaw Pain

When you have untreated TMJ disorder, you may experience jaw pain, making it difficult to eat, speak, and even sleep. The pain may be constant or come and go, and it can be mild or severe. In some cases, the pain is so severe that it can cause headaches and earaches. If you don't treat it, the joint at the back of your jaw (temporomandibular joint) will continue to weaken and cause pain.

Insomnia

One of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder is jaw pain, which can be so severe that it makes it difficult to sleep. Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to chronic insomnia, which can seriously impact your health, and insomnia can cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Compromised Oral Health

One of the major risks of untreated TMJ disorder is the deterioration of oral health. This is because the disorder can cause teeth grinding, resulting in tooth damage and decay. TMJ disorder can also cause jaw pain and stiffness, making it difficult to eat and speak properly. As a result, your oral health is compromised, causing more damage. A TMJ specialist in Albuquerque can suggest you the right treatment plan to manage your symptoms of TMJ.

Headaches

Untreated TMJ disorder can result in chronic headaches. The pain can be mild to severe, and it can last for days or even weeks at a time. In some cases, the pain is so severe that it leads to migraines. If you suffer from chronic headaches, you must see a TMJ dentist in Albuquerque and get them treated.

Decreased Quality of Life

One of the most significant risks of untreated TMJ disorder is a decreased overall quality of life. This is because the pain and discomfort associated with the condition can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, enjoy hobbies, or even get a good night's sleep.

As you see, untreated TMJ can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. If you suspect you have TMJ disorder, consult our TMJ specialist, and we can help you determine the best course of TMJ treatment Albuquerque plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

TMJ Specialist: How to Choose the Right One for You

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a type of pain that occurs in the jaw area. It can lead to other issues such as headaches and soreness in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Since TMJ specialists offer their services through many different avenues, it can be difficult to choose one to provide treatment for you. If you are suffering from TMJ symptoms and need to find a way to alleviate them as soon as possible, here are some tips on how to choose the right TMJ specialist in Albuquerque for you.

Ask Your Friends and Family:

Before scheduling an appointment with a specialist, it’s a good idea to speak with your friends and family members who might have experience with what you’re going through. They can provide you with valuable insight that they’ve gained from their personal experiences, so don’t be afraid to ask. The feedback you receive could help make choosing a dentist much easier.

Experience:

To ensure that you have a successful TMJ treatment in Albuquerque, look for an experienced doctor. The number of years he or she has been treating TMJ conditions is one of many factors you can consider when looking at different specialists. If you have never had any problems with your jaw joints, an inexperienced specialist may not be as important to you. However, if you suffer from painful symptoms, choose a specialist who has experience treating them.

Check Online Reviews:

Before you choose a treatment, be sure to research and read reviews of other patients. These testimonials will help you understand how others feel about specific treatments and what their experiences were like. If many of these reviews are positive, then you can feel more confident in your decision to go with that particular TMJ specialist in Albuquerque. On the other hand, if most of them are negative, then it might be best to look elsewhere.

Make Sure they are Certified:

If you’re visiting a dental office or doctor’s office, look at their certifications. You want a specialist that has been certified by a professional body like the American Dental Association (ADA) or American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). These are proof that they have met very high standards and have a lot of knowledge in their field. The certification should also be up-to-date so you know they are continuing to learn.

Choose a Closer Location:

If you’re researching specialists in your area, it might be a good idea to choose someone who’s closer. This will help ensure that you don’t have any trouble getting an appointment and will also shorten your travel time.

TMJ can make it difficult to speak, eat, or chew properly. It’s important to find the right TMJ dentist in Albuquerque to give you the best treatment available for your specific condition and personal needs. Keep these tips in mind to seek treatment sooner.

The Truth about TMJ Disorder – 5 Common Myths Debunked

 

TMJ or Temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints present in the human body. It is what enables us to eat and talk. Doing these tasks can be quite difficult for you when you deal with TMJ disorder. When left untreated, TMJ disorder can also lead to other problems including migraines and lockjaw. This is why you need to get TMJ treatment in Albuquerque from an expert on time. Apparently, there’s so many misconceptions about TMD. In order to give you a better understanding about TMJ disorder, here are a few common myths debunked for you:

Myth 1: TMJ disorder is a rare problem

TMJ is not often discussed, but that doesn’t mean it is a rare problem. Millions of people experience this issue. People around the world encounter problems with TMJ and surrounding muscles. TMJ disorder is indeed a common problem, contrary to popular belief.

Myth 2: TMD is experienced only by those that are too old or young

A lot of people believe that TMJ disorders will only affect someone who is too young or too old. TMJ disorder might be more common amongst teenagers, but it can’t affect anyone regardless of age. According to a TMJ dentist in Albuquerque, TMD is caused by a number of factors including arthritis, trauma, malocclusion, and whiplash injury.

Myth 3: TMJ disorder always requires surgery

A medical professional will suggest surgery only as a last resort. They will analyze the condition of your jaw and recommend alternate treatments. You will be provided a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. Relevant orthodontic appliances will also be offered to reduce discomfort and to solve the problem relating to the joint. Surgery or invasive procedures will be suggested only when the condition is severe.

Myth 4: TMD is only caused by accidents or injuries

TMJ disorders are mostly caused by accidents or injuries like whiplash. However, TMD can also occur due to malocclusion and bruxism. Malocclusion refers to a bad bite wherein the upper and lower jaws don’t align when the mouth is closed. Bruxism simply means grinding of teeth. Both of these exert more stress on the tissues of your jaw and cause jaw pain at the same time.

Myth 5: All TMJ disorders are the same

TMD will vary with regards to symptoms that different individuals experience. Every TMJ disorder will be treated differently by a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque based on the condition. This is why it is super important to deal with an experienced professional who can provide the right treatment. Ask for references and see the customer testimonials to ensure you are dealing with an expert.

TMJ disorders can be treated effectively with the assistance of a qualified dental professional. If you have any questions on TMJ treatment in Albuquerque, don’t hesitate to contact them.