I see many TMJ pain patients. They come to me for a variety of reasons- jaw pain, tooth pain, headaches, a history of many root canals... but many will ask me the same question at some point-
"Will a Splint for my Jaw Help Me??"
First let me say, I am not a dentist. Dentists are highly trained in treating problems in your mouth and some have even gone on to specialized training in the fabrication of splints or oral appliances. These individuals are the ones you would want to seek out for advice on whether an oral appliance will be helpful for you.
However here are some excellent guidelines that an oral appliance or splint may be necessary:
1. If you wake at night or in the morning with head, face and jaw pain due to grinding your teeth.
2. If you wake in the morning with locking of the jaw as a result of grinding your teeth.
3. If your teeth surfaces are being worn down as a result of nightly grinding.
These are all appropriate indications to consider use of an oral appliance as discussed in the literature referenced in: "Oral Appliances" Clark G, Minakuchi H. Temporomandibular Disorders: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. Laskin D, Greene C. Hylander W. Hand Park, Ill: Quintessence Publishing Co; 2006: 377-390.
If you present with any of these, I would suggest you consult your dentist.
"Will a Splint for my Jaw Help Me??"
First let me say, I am not a dentist. Dentists are highly trained in treating problems in your mouth and some have even gone on to specialized training in the fabrication of splints or oral appliances. These individuals are the ones you would want to seek out for advice on whether an oral appliance will be helpful for you.
However here are some excellent guidelines that an oral appliance or splint may be necessary:
1. If you wake at night or in the morning with head, face and jaw pain due to grinding your teeth.
2. If you wake in the morning with locking of the jaw as a result of grinding your teeth.
3. If your teeth surfaces are being worn down as a result of nightly grinding.
These are all appropriate indications to consider use of an oral appliance as discussed in the literature referenced in: "Oral Appliances" Clark G, Minakuchi H. Temporomandibular Disorders: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. Laskin D, Greene C. Hylander W. Hand Park, Ill: Quintessence Publishing Co; 2006: 377-390.
If you present with any of these, I would suggest you consult your dentist.
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