TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder or syndrome is the pain in the jaw joint. The TMJ is connected to the lower jaw of the skull that is in front of the ear. When normal functions of the jaw such as talking, chewing, and swallowing become difficult and you experience pain in the face, neck, ears and have headaches, the temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is the probable diagnosis.
Causes of TMJ
There are several possible causes of TMJ which include:
- Arthritis
- Dislocation or injury of the jaw
- Stress and teeth grinding
- Tooth and jaw alignment
Treatment Options for TMJ
TMJ treatment may vary depending on the particular symptoms and the patient’s condition. Depending on the severity of your TMJ diagnosis, you may be able to use home remedies including:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medications (aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen)
- Eating softer foods
- Avoiding hard candies and chewing gum
- Avoiding stress
- Periodically applying warm compresses to the affected areas
If your diagnosis is more severe, it will more than likely require a more aggressive form of treatment or therapy. Today’s Dentistry offers a wide variety of treatments for severe cases of TMJ including:
- Splint therapy
- Night guards
- Bite correction procedures
- DTR treatment
DTR: Comprehensive Treatment for TMJ
When your bite is uneven or out of alignment due to dysfunction in the jaw joint, it can improve your dental health. TMJ related disorders can also cause pain and headaches, diminishing your daily quality of life. Dr. Cain uses advanced tools to analyze the bite and muscle function of the jaw and neck to identify the cause of your pain and to provide proper treatment for TMJ disorder.
Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) uses Tekscan digital analysis tools to measure the biting forces on each individual tooth as well as the muscle function and pressure placed on the jaw joints. Dr. Cain can offer patients who suffer from common symptoms, such as recurring headaches, effective diagnosis, and treatment that goes beyond a symptomatic approach, addressing dysfunction. Your personal treatment plan will be designed to both relieve your pain and restore a healthy, balanced and comfortable bite. This will also serve to reduce the risk of further damage to the teeth and gums.
Schedule a Dental Exam
If you have any of these TMJ symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with Today’s Dentistry and let Drs. Pamela or Robert Cain provide a diagnosis and discuss TMJ treatment options with you.
