Dental Treatment Options for TMJ Therapy

Important COVID-19 Update

As the status of COVID-19 and corresponding recommendations change frequently, we are doing our best to keep up and adjust our policies as quickly as possible.

Your health and the health of our staff are our top priority, and that is why we are STILL OPEN, but have implemented some new procedures to limit the number of patients coming in at any given time, screen everybody coming into the office, increase sterilization above recommended standards, and comply with the most recent recommendations from the ADA and CDC.

Our office follows strict cleaning and sterilization protocols for the protection of our patients. In addition to the continued use of hospital grade sterilization equipment in our office, we clean all contact surfaces between each appointment. We use disinfectants across the office, including frequent sanitation of the front office and patient waiting area. Our employees maintain personal hygiene as well as wearing surgical masks and washing their hands and changing their gloves between each patient.

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder, can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and along your face, ears, neck, shoulders, and upper back. The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. Around 12% of people in the United States experience TJM disorders and women are affected more often than men.

Symptoms

When the TMJs are inflamed and irritated, it can result in the following:

Jaw or ear pain where the joints are located, especially when biting down or chewing
An inability to fully open and close your mouth
Facial tenderness, pressure, or swelling
Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain
Severe headaches or migraines
Dental pain
Tingling sensation in your arms or fingers
Popping sound when opening or closing your mouth
Teeth grinding
Jaw clenching

Causes

TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joints in front of the ears. These hinge joints are responsible for opening and closing your mouth so you can talk, eat, and chew. Although the exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, it is often the result of:

Stress Anxiety Dental misalignment
Bite disorders
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
Arthritis
Injury
Genetics

How We Can Help

In cases where your back molars have already been damaged from teeth grinding or jaw clenching, we offer customized porcelain crowns.

We can also fit you with a customized oral appliance designed to alleviate pressure on your jaw joints. This device will fit over your teeth and should be worn at night while sleeping. It will hold your jaw in proper position and prevent your teeth from grinding.

If the source of your TMJ disorder is caused by dental misalignment, ClearCorrect® may be recommended. This orthodontic solution includes a series of clear aligners that fit comfortably over your top and bottom teeth. Orthodontic treatment can gradually shift your teeth into a healthier position and allow the jaws to meet properly.

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