TMJ (Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction)

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a prevalent condition that affects a diverse range of individuals. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, varying degrees of jaw pain, teeth grinding, and intermittent ringing in the ears. Unfortunately, many TMJ sufferers are unaware that a dentist can effectively treat the underlying cause of these problems.

The symptoms of TMJ can be debilitating and significantly impact daily life. At our dental practice, the patient’s comfort and overall well-being are our top priorities, making pain relief the initial focus. Our dentist is skilled in testing, diagnosing, and developing an immediate treatment plan to address the root causes of TMJ disorder.

Reasons for treating TMJ

TMJ sufferers often find that their symptoms worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress, which can lead to neck pain and dizziness during severe episodes.

The most common cause of TMJ is a misalignment of the teeth, often referred to as a “bad bite.” However, our dentist can realign or adjust the teeth without resorting to painful or expensive surgeries. By correcting the alignment, we can alleviate pounding headaches, jaw pain, and dizziness.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a particularly common symptom of TMJ and often occurs at night. Over time, this grinding can erode the tooth structure, leading to more severe dental problems in the future. Untreated TMJ is a significant contributing factor to jawbone erosion and tooth loss.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, it is crucial to visit our dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

What does treating TMJ involve?

TMJ can have various underlying causes. While a bad bite is the most common, an injury to the meniscus cartilage from a blow is also a possibility. Initially, our dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the jaw area, assess the patient’s bite, take x-rays, and review the patient’s history to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Once a firm diagnosis is established, we can provide relief through several approaches. We may create a custom-molded bite guard to prevent teeth grinding at night. A bite relationship analysis may be recommended to assess the alignment of the teeth. Additionally, our dentist can offer advice on relaxation techniques to reduce the impact of stress. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be prescribed as a last resort.

Another effective option is to reshape the teeth and eliminate the underlying bad bite, known as realignment. This approach not only alleviates TMJ symptoms but can also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Realignment involves adjusting the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, which may require restorations or natural tooth adjustments. This procedure is not painful and has achieved successful outcomes numerous times. Our dentist will gladly answer any questions and discuss symptoms, options, and treatments.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated team is here to provide the relief and treatment you need.

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