Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, our society has been going through significant changes on a daily and even hourly basis. Meanwhile, major events have been canceled, popular destinations are closing up shop, and your job might have been affected. Experiencing stress over the unknown isn’t uncommon. However, living with the stress caused during the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) pandemic could raise your risk of certain oral health issues like temporomandibular joint disorder. Dr. Christine Tenaglia, a neuromuscular dentist in Okemos, wants you to recognize how this uncertain time could lead to temporomandibular joint pain and how Tenaglia Smiles can help.
This is a stressful time for many. Stress is a common cause of teeth grinding and clenching. Clinically known as bruxism, this habit can do damage to your teeth and affect the alignment of your jaws, placing stress on your temporomandibular joint. Coincidentally, if you already have TMJ disorder, stress could be making your symptoms worse.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches that occur regularly and may feel like migraines
- Muscle spasms in the jaw or neck
- Pain when opening or closing your jaw
- Difficulty or inability to open mouth wide
- Lockjaw (jaw locks in place)
- Discomfort or pain when chewing
- Joint pain that is not relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers
If you do have TMJ disorder, it is essential to seek treatment because the problem will not go away on its own. If left untreated, TMJ pain may radiate throughout the body, potentially affecting your teeth, face, head, neck, and even your shoulders and back. During the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Tenaglia is available to do TMJ consultations. Our office is taking additional precautions to ensure the health and safety of our patients, as well as our team. If you experience TMJ-related jaw pain during COVID-19, please contact our office to arrange for care. We will ask prescreening questions to determine your risk of the coronavirus and take your temperature. All non-clinical areas are disinfected with medical grade disinfectant after each visit to assure you are entering a safe environment. Be assured that we are maintaining the high level of sterilization and disinfecting of clinical areas that you have become accustomed to with Dr. Christine Tenaglia in Okemos.
Okemos Dentist Treats TMJ Disorder and Jaw Pain
Dr. Christine Tenaglia can successfully treat temporomandibular joint disorder and jaw pain. At Tenaglia Smiles, we use sophisticated technology to diagnose TMJ disorder by using 3D imaging, jaw tracking, and EMG’s to determine the precise misalignment of your jaw. Dr. Tenaglia also offers emergency TMJ pain relief in Okemos via a TENS unit that relaxes jaw muscles and reduces pain. The goal in treating TMJ disorder is to provide long-term relief, which can be accomplished through bite stabilization, or by wearing a custom-made oral appliance, referred to as an orthotic. Treating TMJ disorder is case-specific, and requires a consultation with Dr. Tenaglia to determine the best course of action for you.
If you live in the areas of Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, or Williamston in Michigan, and you are experiencing significant jaw pain during the coronavirus pandemic, please contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 to arrange for care.