TMD and Toothaches
The discomfort of a toothache is, unfortunately, something that many people are familiar with. Between the constant, subtle irritation, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, pain when chewing or talking, and swelling around the tooth or jaw, toothaches can make your daily routines seem almost unbearable.
Toothaches are the result of an irritated nerve in a tooth or inflammation of the central part of the tooth caused by infection, injury, or tooth decay. While toothaches can be a symptom of dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, a condition known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is also a possible cause of the symptoms.
What Is TMD?
TMD occurs when there are problems with the temporomandibular joint. This joint is responsible for attaching the jaw to the skull and is for responsible for jaw movement. Disruptions to this joint can be caused by injuries like facial blows or whiplash, repetitive teeth grinding, and even stress. Unfortunately, while TMD has no correlation to dental health, many patients initially assume that they are dealing with typical dental health issues since the symptoms mirror that of a toothache; in fact, identification of TMD typically requires a dentist.
How Is TMD Diagnosed?
Dr. Fiss is an expert at examining the symptoms of TMD and toothaches and has both the instruments and experience to effectively determine the cause in order to relieve your pain and discomfort as quickly as possible. Through an oral evaluation and facial X-rays, Dr. Fiss will create an optimized treatment plan. Toothaches caused by dental issues will be addressed with the appropriate procedure; toothaches caused by TMD can be remedied with anything from over-the-counter medication and the use of night guards to more extensive surgical treatments.
When to Visit Your Dentist
Anytime you experience pain that lingers more than a few days or cannot be remedied with over-the-counter medication you should set up an appointment with your dentist since these signs could indicate a more significant issue. Disregarding any pain is a recipe for disaster since any ailment is subject to worsen. You should never assume you know the reason for your discomfort, and you shouldn’t subject yourself to unnecessary pain and discomfort.
If you are experiencing toothaches, or if you would like more information on TMD, contact Dr. Fiss today at (312) 642-6631 to set up an appointment.