It’s estimated that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect more than 10 million Americans. If jaw pain or stiffness negatively affects your life, Davide Gottardi, DMD, and the team at Blue Palm Dentistry in Wilton Manors, Florida, offer effective TMJ treatment. They treat TMJ discomfort using night guards and various other techniques.
TMJ Treatment Q & A
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorders cause problems with the way your mandible functions, preventing ligaments, muscles, and bones from working together correctly. TMJ can cause pain and difficulties opening and closing your mouth.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have a TMJ disorder:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw
- Problems chewing
- Pain with chewing
- Locking of your jaw joint
- Aching facial or ear pain
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Pain associated with TMJ might be mild or severe. If it negatively affects your life, see your provider at Blue Palm Dentistry for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can occur when your jaw joint moves out of its proper alignment. Factors that increase your risk of developing TMJ include:
- Jaw injuries
- Dislocation
- Arthritis
- Connective tissue diseases
- Long-term teeth clenching or grinding
See your dentist if you’re at risk of TMJ disorders and experience severe or long-lasting pain that doesn’t subside on its own.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
To diagnose TMJ pain, your dentist reviews your symptoms and dental history. They then examine your teeth as well as your bite and evaluate your jaw for clicking, popping, stiffness, and tenderness.
Your dentist uses X-rays to determine the type and severity of a TMJ disorder and develop a personalized treatment plan.
How is TMJ treated?
If TMJ negatively affects your life, your Blue Palm Dentistry provider might recommend one of the following treatments:
Lifestyle changes
Making lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms associated with TMJ. Examples include chewing softer foods, reducing stress, using heat or ice packs, and not chewing gum or biting your fingernails.
Jaw exercises
Jaw exercises and stretches can strengthen your joint, reduce pain, and prevent future TMJ problems. Your Blue Palm Dentistry provider lets you know which jaw exercises to complete at home for relief.Medications
Taking certain medications such as muscle relaxants or receiving joint injections can alleviate discomfort associated with TMJ. Your dentist lets you know which medication, if any, is right for you.Night guard
Custom-made night guards are another treatment option for TMJ, which you can wear when you sleep to decrease tissue damage associated with teeth clenching and grinding.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback helps lessen TMJ pain and can improve joint function. During biofeedback, you receive visual or auditory cues from a computer that teach you to relax your muscles and gain control over your breathing and how you perceive pain.Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment can properly align your teeth and adjust your bite to offer TMJ pain relief. The providers at Blue Palm Dentistry offer Invisalign® treatment to improve your smile and reduce your risk of TMJ pain.
Don’t live with TMJ pain if it diminishes your quality of life. Book an appointment with Blue Palm Dentistry by calling the office or requesting one online today.