TMJ Treatment in Goffstown, NH

If you wake up every morning with headaches or pain in your neck, jaw, or shoulders, there is a good chance that you have a teeth-grinding habit, also called bruxism. The chronic daily pain resulting from teeth grinding or jaw joint problems drains your spirit daily and eventually impacts your quality of life. 

Dr. Danielle Leonardi offers conservative TMJ pain relief and teeth-grinding treatment for dental patients in Goffstown who want to end their daily discomfort and get back to living a full and rewarding life. 

The Difference Between TMJ and TMD

Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is one of the most-used joints in your body. Just like a shoulder or knee joint, your TMJ can become sore from overuse. In the case of your jaw joint, overuse typically occurs due to clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep.

Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD is the term we use to refer to recurring pain or dysfunction or pain that involves the TMJ. 

TMJ Pain and Teeth Grinding

Your TMJ is a complex joint because it moves up and down and from side to side. Teeth grinding is very common and is usually the result of stress or intense concentration and is also a side effect of many prescription medications.

However, chronic teeth grinding and clenching place excess force on your teeth and TMJ. Teeth grinding may be related to broken or damaged teeth, tooth loss, or a malocclusion referred to as a bad dental bite. You may grind your teeth only at night, while others do so throughout their day.

Learn the Symptoms of TMJ and Teeth Grinding

Signs that you might have TMD include: 

• Popping or clicking noises in the jaw
• Chronic headaches, including migraines
• Pain in your TMJ, or jaw joint
• Difficulty opening and closing the jaw
• Broken teeth and dental wear
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears

If one or more of these symptoms is taking over your life, call Glen Lake Dental, so our dentist in Goffstown can provide the conservative TMJ and teeth-grinding treatment you need. 

Treating Bruxism & TMJ in Goffstown, NH

Life is too short to spend a day longer than necessary in pain, and we want to help you get the relief you need. We offer a simple, non-invasive oral appliance that relieves the painful symptoms of TMJ problems and teeth grinding. 

Dr. Leonardi will first need to complete a comprehensive evaluation at our Goffstown dental office, including a head and neck exam to determine your general oral health and x-rays so she can look at your jaw joints. The goal of teeth grinding and TMJ treatment is to decrease jaw pain, increase function, and minimize the impact of your symptoms on your everyday life. 

Since teeth grinding commonly occurs during sleep, an easy and affordable solution is a customized nightguard to wear at night. The guard fits comfortably over your teeth and is designed to absorb the force of excessive teeth grinding. Your teeth cannot come into contact with each other, so your jaw joint has a chance to rest and recover. 

At a Glance: Frequently Asked Questions about Nightguards

What does a nightguard do? 

A nightguard allows for healing by giving your jaw joints a rest. The oral appliance also prevents grinding and clenching and helps restore proper jaw joint function by acting as a corrective brace. The oral appliance aims to protect your smile from bruxism and eliminate the symptoms of bruxism and TMJ. 

Remember, bruxism can lead to tooth fractures and even tooth loss. Treatment with your Goffstown dentist is crucial to your long-term smile and comfort. 

What types of nightguards does Glen Lakes Dental offer?

We're pleased to offer custom nightguards in Goffstown, NH. These nightguards absorb the impact when you attempt to grind or clench your teeth during sleep. They also gently separate the jaws to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming together. Additionally, they help relax the jaw joints, promoting TMJ healing. 

Treatment aims to protect your teeth and your TMJs. 

How can I clean my nightguard? 

Because your nightguard fits over the teeth during the night, it's crucial to keep it clean. It's also essential that your teeth are freshly brushed and flossed before placing your nightguard. You don't want your nightguard to trap food and plaque against your enamel. 

To clean your nightguard, we recommend room-temperature water for rinsing. You can also gently clean it with a soft cloth or toothbrush and gentle hand soap to eliminate lingering bacteria. 

Contact Us for Bruxism and TMJ Treatment in Goffstown

You don't have to live in constant pain. Dr. Danielle Leonardi offers teeth-grinding treatment and solutions for patients in Goffstown, Manchester, New Boston, and surrounding communities. Please call us so we can help relieve your pain and restore your quality of life.