TMJ Treatment

Symptoms of TMJ are often uncomfortable, and even painful. Ranging from neck aches to popping or clicking when opening your jaw, these symptoms can seriously alter your quality of life. Our office has many years of experience helping individuals with managing TMJ with a variety of treatment options. From bite guards to muscle relaxers, we have the knowledge and resources to help you choose the treatment right for you.

TMJ TREATMENT

Chronic facial pain used to be difficult to diagnose, and therefore left symptoms of TMJ untreated. TMJ disorder is a series of factors that affect the temporomandibular joint. Now, Dr. Meisner easily diagnoses these symptoms and can treat patients with TMJ much more effectively. Studies have shown that women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Living with TMJ disorders can be uncomfortable, and even painful. Delaying diagnosis and treatment of TMJ can only increase the damage accruing to the teeth, muscles and joint. Dr. Meisner has extensive experience in treating TMJ, and encourages you to ask questions regarding your treatment options.

HOW ARE TMJ DISORDERS CAUSED

While there is no known cause of TMJ, several factors should be taken into account when diagnosing TMJ disorders. Bruxism, or, clenching and grinding teeth while asleep can often lead to TMJ. Bruxism is caused often by stress, or is a product of a sleep disorder. This involuntary activity may lead to muscle damage, soreness and spasms.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDER

• Jaw pain or soreness, more noticeable in the morning or afternoon
• Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning
• Earache without an infection, sometimes spreading into the face
• Soreness in front of the ear
• A clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing your mouth
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• A stiff jaw when eating, talking, or yawning
• Sensitive teeth without any signs of dental problems
• Aching on the side of the head and neck pain
• A burning sensation in the mouth/tongue
• Grinding of your teeth
• Restricted range of jaw movement or “locking” of the jaw in an open or closed position

There are different treatment options depending on the case of the individual and their particular symptoms. The first step toward overcoming TMJ is by coming in for a thorough dental exam. This will help diagnose, and ultimately treat symptoms.

WHAT TMJ DISORDER TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE

Every case is different, and in order to get the maximum health benefits from your treatment, proper diagnosis is essential. As in every case we take at Robert J Meisner DDS PC, a complete medical history is examined, X rays are taken, and a clinical exam is conducted to ensure the condition is diagnosed correctly. This may require additional diagnostic testing as well.

TMJ symptoms affect everyone uniquely, and because of this, there is no single way to treat TMJ disorders. Depending on the severity of symptoms, simple treatment plans may not be comprehensive enough to meet your needs. Treatment is conducted in steps, and relieving symptoms may require multiple.

Some treatments include:

Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs

• Eating soft foods
• Avoiding chewing gum
• Applying moist heat or ice
• Physical therapy
• Teaching relaxation techniques to control muscle tension
• Stress management training techniques
• Posture training
• Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning of the jaws
• Adjusting the bite, known as “occlusal equilibration” involving removing interferences when the teeth touch
• Replacement of defective restorations that prevent the jaws from meeting properly
• Orthodontics, to put the teeth in proper position
• Surgery

Postponing treatment is unnecessary, and potentially harmful. At Robert J Meisner DDS PC, we see your TMJ symptoms as treatable, with the ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating the pain and discomfort TMJ causes.