Daily pain takes a serious toll on one’s life. Pain emanating from the head, neck, or jaw is even more problematic. It’s nearly impossible to ignore such centralized discomfort as you go about your daily activities. This type of pain can also be tough to treat – exactly what is the source? TMJ diagnosis and treatment may provide an answer.
What is TMJ / TMD?
If you’ve been struggling with facial or jaw pain, it may be occurring as a result of a troubled temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on each side of your jaw, and it connects the mandible to the maxilla. The TMJ allows for the full range of movement that your lower jaw enjoys – up and down, side to side, and circular motions. Unfortunately, its frequent usage and delicate components make it prone to dysfunction.
When a TMJ is engaging in chronic, harmful behavior, we call that a TMJ disorder (or TMD). This disorder will require treatment in order for your joint to be able to heal, and you to find relief from pain. Depending on the severity of your disorder, a certain level of intervention will be recommended. Luckily, TMJ treatment can be as simple as a night guard.
Your TMJ Treatment Options
- TMJ splint – Countless patients grind and clench their teeth during sleep. This leads to a great amount of stress being placed on the jaw joint – which is never a good thing. A TMJ splint will keep your lower jaw immobilized, protecting both your teeth and jaw.
- Balancing occlusal surface – Sometimes a bad bite or ill-fitting jaws can lead to TMD. Balancing the occlusal surface by reshaping the tops of your teeth will repair this problem.
- Orthodontic treatment – Braces or Invisalign could realign your lower jaw so that it functions harmoniously with your upper jaw.
In more extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to repair your joint and jaw movements. No matter your treatment, we will work alongside you for its duration and ensure your comfort. If you think you’ve been suffering as a result of your TMJ, get in touch with our practice today.