Has anyone poked you in the night to roll over because you were grinding your teeth? Do you wake with a clenched jaw or sore and stiff muscles in your face?
The more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ stands for “Temporo Mandibular joint”, which is the jaw joint that connects the mandible, or the bone of the lower jaw, to the temporal bones of the skull on either side of the head.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
* Pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles
* Grinding and clicking of the jaw
* Jaw muscle stiffness
* Locking of the jaw
“TMJ“ is more experienced in treating TMJ disorders
Relief of pain is the immediate objective of your TMJ specialist. They may administer pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants. It is possible to lower the pain and reduce inflammation by injecting steroids into the joint.
It is necessary and important to learn the root cause of TMJ and create a plan to treat these causes. Only then can improper wear of the teeth, imbalance and pain in joints and muscles be relieved/restored to normal.
Once the condition is diagnosed, we will determine the best course of treatment with which to move forward. There are three main steps involved in treating TMJ, including:
* Pain relief
* Bite stabilization
* Correcting bite position
Our technicians work within the set regulations of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) when the situation entails treating TMJ disorder. Your treatment will not create irreversible changes in your teeth and jaw.
After a complete examination, your doctor may advise a combination of treatment options intended to diminish pain and joint deterioration.
* Repositioning splints and orofacial myofunctional therapy
* Bite adjustment
* Reconstructive practices
* Surgery
* Arthrocentesis also known as joint aspiration
* Orthodontic remedies
* Jaw replacement as a last resort
All TMJ surgery procedures are performed by qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure that the highest quality of care is delivered to each and every patient.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (561) 123-1234