Our TMJ therapy options can help relieve your jaw discomfort and get you smiling again.
Let our dental team help you eliminate your jaw pain.
You don’t have to live with jaw pain, tightness, and other discomfort. At Prosthodontic Dental Group, we provide treatment for TMJ disorders. Talk to our dental team to learn more and find out if TMJ therapy is right for you.
What Is TMJ?
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint of your jaw bone, connecting your lower jaw to the rest of the skull. Disorders affecting this joint are collectively known as TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). TMD causes discomfort and stiffness in the jaw, a clicking sound when the mouth is opened and closed, chronic facial pain, and more. There are three common causes of TMD, and our team of specialists can help determine the cause and ideal treatment plan for you.
The causes of TMD vary by person, but they may include the following:
- A “bad bite” caused by missing or crooked teeth, unbalanced dentures, and general misalignment of the jaw
- Stress
- Injury or trauma (including direct injuries like a hit and indirect trauma like whiplash)
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Incorrectly fit dentures
TMD Symptoms
TMD can present in a variety of ways, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Jaw clicking
- Pain in the jaw
- Limited jaw movement
- Jaw locking
- Pain in the face, eyes, or ears
- Recurring headaches
If you have concerns about TMD, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We want you to live free from discomfort, so we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
TMJ Therapy
Your recommended TMJ therapy plan will depend on your symptoms and the severity of the dysfunction. For simpler cases, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and hot/cold compresses can greatly improve the symptoms and allow you to get back to normal activities.
The first step of all TMJ therapy is to improve symptoms and stop the discomfort. That begins with a custom-fit orthotic, or acrylic device that is worn on the bottom teeth all the time. This device repositions the jaw, putting it in alignment and, in about four or six months, relieving your symptoms. To fit you for your orthotic, we will analyze your bite, determine which muscles are causing your pain, and evaluate the current position of the bones involved. We use a variety of imaging and testing methods, so we can make sure that your orthotic is treating your specific problem areas.
Once symptoms are under control, we will discuss your phase II options, which can include:
- Long-term orthotic wear
- Braces
- Replacement of missing teeth
- Tooth restorations to even out your bite
Your therapy may include a combination of these options, but it will always be tailored to your needs. Before beginning phase II of treatment, our team will work closely with you to determine the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
When you’re experiencing pain from TMD, we know that symptom relief is a top concern, which is why we provide targeted treatment to get you feeling like yourself again. Call us today with any questions or to schedule your TMJ therapy consultation.
