TMJ and TMD Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment for TMJ and TMD

Do you experience headaches, jaw pain, or get migraines on a regular basis? You may have jaw joint problems and issues with your bite that need to be treated by a dentist that specializes in neuromuscular dentistry. If your jaw is out of alignment or you tend to hold a lot of tension in the jaw, you may develop a temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD and TMJ) that causes pain and inflammation around the jaw and neck. We offer non-surgical treatment for TMD and TMJ so that you can enjoy a better quality of life.

 

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Signs of TMJ and TMD

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ and TMD:

  • Frequent headaches and migraines

  • Discomfort when biting and chewing

  • Neck or upper back pain

  • Facial swelling

  • Pain in the jaw joints or around the ear

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Sensitive teeth

  • Loose teeth

  • Cracked or worn teeth

  • Numbness in the hands

  • Inability to open mouth wide without discomfort

Do I Need TMJ and TMD Treatment?

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of TMJ or TMD, you may need a neuromuscular dentistry procedure that will improve the movement of the jaw and reduce pressure around the mouth and jaw area. Many people with TMD have severe inflammation around the jaw and many muscles around the back, shoulder, and head end up working harder to counteract the effects of tightness around the jaw. Over time, the jaw can fall out of alignment and the sufferer can experience severe pain and tenderness around the neck and jaw area. Other causes of TMD include arthritis and jaw dislocation or injury.

How is TMJ and TMD Treated?

Even though TMD is a degenerative disease, the good news is that it can be treated once diagnosed. Most TMJ problems are a result of having a bad bite, so coming in to our office for treatment of an under-bite or over-bite can make it easier for the muscles to work properly and reduce strain in the area. We offer several non-surgical treatment options for TMJ and TMD, including:

  • Lifestyle changes or recommendations, such as exercising to reduce stress

  • TENS K-7 treatment that delivers low-frequency electrical impulses to the jaw muscles

  • Practicing relaxation techniques

  • Fixing misaligned teeth

  • A nighttime mouthpiece to prevent clenching or grinding

  • Surgery to repair the jaw joint (only in extreme cases)

If you are experiencing TMJ and TMD symptoms, schedule a consultation today to learn about your options.