TMJ Pain Therapy
TMJ Pain & TMJ Disorders
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it’s where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension.
The jaw wants to sit in an orthopedically correct and neutral posture, and the teeth, due to misalignment may be getting in the way, causing trauma to the teeth, muscles, and jaw joints.
Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.
treatment options for TMJ Disorders
We offer multiple treatment options for TMJ Disorders at AFC Dentistry. Depending on the exact nature of your condition we will determine which treatment will best help you relieve discomfort and return to a functional and healthy condition. After the doctor has done a comprehensive exam the following treatment modalities may be discussed as part of your plan:
Using this state of the art HIFES/Synchronized RF treatment technology to retrain and educate the muscle fibers used for chewing we can help reduce and even eliminate pain in the jaw muscles and break the constant pain cycle often associated with spastic muscle activities related to TMD issues. This can be definitive treatment on its own or allow us to deliver definitive treatment to prevent the recurrence of the symptoms.
Using laser energy specifically calibrated to improve soft tissue healing and reduce inflammation we can reduce discomfort/pain in both the jaw joints and the muscles used for chewing that are involved with TMD symptoms.
Using Botox we can deliver relief to otherwise unmanageable muscle pain by paralyzing the muscles allowing us to break the pain cycle and deliver definitive treatment that will help prevent recurrence of the symptoms.
The doctor will design an orthotic device for you to wear in your mouth to help achieve stable contacts between your teeth and reduce strain on the teeth, the jaw joints and chewing muscles so as to relieve symptoms and protect you from damage to those structures.
A routine of exercises, massage and the use of cold and warm compresses may be used to help reduce discomfort and help the muscles and joints involved in chewing return to a healthy pain free condition.
Using either Invisalign or traditional braces the doctor will develop a plan to correct the alignment of your teeth (and sometimes the alignment of the jaw bones as well) to create a stable, healthy and symptom free situation for you.
Occlusion is the study of the forces between your teeth when they are in function chewing as well as when they are parafunctional contact (such as clenching or grinding habits).
Reshaping the teeth so that they contact each other in a stable and non-destructive manner is called an Occlusal Equilibration. The technique is used to help keep the teeth, the bone around the teeth, the jaw joints and chewing muscles in a stable and healthy condition.
It also helps to reduce or avoid future damage, symptoms and pain. It can include both the addition of structure by restoring teeth into healthy contact or the reduction of structure by very selective grinding to eliminate damaging contacts.
It can even include the replacement of missing teeth so that the forces of chewing can be ideally spread throughout the dentition and over the jaw joints and chewing muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if TMJ treatment is right for me?
First, you’ll have to pursue a TMJ disorder diagnosis after a formal examination. Once diagnosed, your dentist will see the extent of your condition and determine the best course of treatment. Typically, we will start with lighter courses of treatment like physical therapy, bite/mouth guards, medication to ease pain or relax your jaw, and other forms of self-care. If none of these more conservative methods work well with patients, then joint injections and surgery options may be considered.
What should I expect if I undergo treatment for TMJ?
Since TMJ disorder is different for every patient, each individual’s treatment will also vary. More than likely, your treatment will include lifestyle changes to help make your jaw rehabilitation easier. These changes could include avoiding any action that involves sudden jaw movement, like yawning. Other things you can expect is to begin sleeping on your back and try to lessen stress.
Will I need to follow any special post-care instructions while being treated for TMJ?
Depending on what course of treatment you receive, your aftercare will be different. For example, if you undergo surgery, you may be put on an all liquid diet temporarily. You can expect a lot of ice application to lessen swelling and making sure your surgical site stays clean and dry to prevent infections.