TMJ Treatment
An imbalanced bite can trigger a range of problems as the jaw joints overcompensate in order to achieve a balanced resting position.
TMJ disorder treatment by a dentist can achieve the balance needed to stop inflammation, facial discomfort, headaches, and other symptoms.
TMJ Treatment can provide...
- Relief
Treatment can eradicate symptoms such as discomfort in and around the joint, clicking when opening and closing your mouth, a locked jaw, and headaches.
- Long-Term Benefits
By realigning the jaw, your dentist can prevent long-term harm, such as worn teeth, increased vulnerability to tooth decay, and serious joint damage.
- A Better Quality of Life
In the long run, TMJ treatment can improve your quality of life by relieving persistent and often debilitating symptoms that can compromise your mood and general wellbeing.
- Greater Affordability
In the long run, early TMJ treatment reduces the need for repeated and expensive procedures later in life.
Am I likely to develop the condition?
Women are at high risk. According to the Cells Tissues Organs, TMJ disorder is twice as common in women as it is in men.
Seeking treatment can ease...
- Teeth Grinding
One of the most common causes of TMJ disorder is teeth grinding. Consequently, most treatments target and alleviate this condition.
- Jaw Discomfort
Discomfort in your jaw can interfere with many daily activities, from speech to eating your favorite crunchy foods.
- Orthodontic Misalignment
TMJ disorder can also undermine your bite, as well. Treatment for this underlying condition is often the first step to realigning your smile.
Do I qualify for any treatments?
- Are you still in pain?
You should contact a doctor if your symptoms do not resolve on their own.
- Can't open your jaw fully?
If you have trouble chewing or speaking properly, you probably need treatment.
- Are in good health?
You need to be in good health to undergo surgery (for more severe cases).
Do I really need to see a doctor?
When in Doubt, Have It Checked Out
Unlike a toothache, the symptoms of TMJ disorder are often easy to dismiss as stress. In fact, stress is sometimes a major contributing factor. However, because discomfort and other symptoms are not always persistent, it might be tempting to delay making an appointment even if you think you are experiencing TMJ disorder. However, the longer you wait, the more damage the condition can cause. As with any health issue, the sooner it is addressed, the better.
How does TMJ disorder develop in the first place?
A misaligned bite causes chronic tension and discomfort in the muscles around the jaw. The cartilage in the jaw becomes misshapen and displaced over time. If the cartilage deteriorates, the jawbone will grind against the skill. Tension from TMJ radiates down the neck to the rest of the body.
Consultation and Diagnosis
- Evaluating Your Condition
During the initial consultation, your doctor will evaluate your case by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and examining your bite.
- Taking X-Rays
Often, the examination will involve x-rays that will allow your dentist to analyze the way in which your jaws and teeth meet. A cone beam scanner may also be used to analyze the jaw joints.
- Recommending Treatment
I If your dentist determines that malocclusion or other conditions are placing stress on the jaw joints, they can recommend a number of treatment options. In some cases, it may be necessary to refer you to a specialist.
What kind of treatments are available?
- Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards can prevent you from damaging your teeth while grinding during sleep.
- Orthodontics
Orthodontics can align the jaws and allow the teeth to meet properly.
- Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics such as dental crowns can restore a balanced bite.
- Reshaping Teeth
Reshaping certain teeth can achieve better balance and relieve tension in the TMJs.
- BOTOX® Medical
BOTOX Medical injections can relax strained jaw muscles.
- Medications
Your doctor may recommend pain relievers or anti-inflammatories to ease discomfort, low doses of antidepressants to control bruxism, or muscle relaxants to reduce spasms.
- Surgery
In serious cases and only as a last resort, surgery can repair the joints.
Easing Your Discomfort
Untreated TMJ disorder is often uncomfortable at best and debilitating at worst. In many cases, it is also accompanied by a slew of distracting or unpleasant side effects. By realigning your jaw, a doctor can reduce or even eliminate these symptoms. Not only will you ease discomfort in your daily life, but you also won’t have to be overly careful when yawning or eating.
