Effective TMJ Treatments in Greensboro, NC
Norman & Gill Dentistry is dedicated to ensuring your oral health is optimum. This includes your mouth and jaw, particularly when you feel uncomfortable opening or closing them. For this reason, our dentists provide TMJ treatments in Greensboro, NC. Read on to learn about TMJ disorder and the different treatments for it.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Your jaw and the temporal bones in front of your ears are hinged by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Because of it, you can move your jaw up and down, yawn, and chew. A TMJ disorder is a problem with the joint itself or with the facial muscles controlling your jaw. Your doctor may also refer to it as a TMJ dysfunction or, on most occasions, just TMJ.
A TMJ disorder can be caused by several factors. One is an injury to the jaw, neck muscles, or TMJ. Another reason could be the disk adjustment between your joint’s ball and socket. But the most common cause of a TMJ disorder is severe teeth grinding or clenching, also called Bruxism. It is a stress-induced condition that makes you grind, clench, and gnash your teeth when you sleep.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Adults in the 20–40 age range are the most typically affected by TMJ disorders. It might affect one or both sides of your face and linger for a few months or years. The following are the typical TMJ disorder symptoms:
1. Tenderness or pain in the jaw joint area, neck, shoulders, and the area surrounding your ears.
issues with bite or jaw alignment
2. Problems trying to open your mouth.
3. Jaws that become “stuck” or “locked”
4. Gritty, clicking, or cracking sounds coming from the joint.
5. Difficulty in chewing
6. Toothaches
7. Headaches or migraines
8. Soreness in your upper shoulders and neck
TMJ Treatments in Greensboro, NC
If you’ve been experiencing some of these symptoms, you should see one of our dentists at Norman & Gill Dentistry right away. We can diagnose the presence of the disorder and present different treatment options to help alleviate the symptoms or treat the condition altogether. Below are some of the possible treatments TMJ treatments:
1. Medications
Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories are medication options that can help relieve the pain associated with TMJ disorders. On the other hand, low dosages of tricyclic antidepressants can help treat Bruxism.
2. Non-surgical Therapies
The most common treatment for TMJ disorders caused by excessive teeth grinding is the use of mouthguards, also called night guards, splints, or oral appliances. When worn during sleep, the soft devices prevent you from aggravating the TMJ and surrounding muscles as you grind or clench your teeth. Other treatments are physical therapy and counseling.
3. Surgical Procedures
When medications and non-surgical treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend surgical procedures to treat the disorder. The procedures include open-joint surgery, injections, and TMJ arthroscopy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of each before you proceed with any procedure.
Relieve Jaw Pain and Discomfort
Norman & Gill Dentistry provides effective TMJ treatments in Greensboro, NJ to relieve your jaw pain and discomfort. Our team of dentists is available to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action for treating your TMJ disorder.
Call us today at (336) 282 2120 to book your appointment or to learn more.
