Adaptive Options for Symptom Relief
The temporomandibular joint is crucial for any jaw movement, including speaking and eating. When this joint develops issues, it can begin interfering with your daily quality of life. Treating TMJ disorders can open the door for patients to experience symptom relief and a return to healthy jaw function. Our specialist at Cleopatra Dental works closely with each patient to find a path forward that treats their condition and provides lasting benefits.
What Is TMJ and TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the main hinge of the jaw. Every time you open your mouth, with every bite of food you take, this jaw is in action. A TMJ Disorder (or TMD) occurs when this joint no longer operates smoothly. Some of the main symptoms include:
- Pain and discomfort in the jaw and chewing muscles (may spread to the neck)
- Stiffness or limited movement of the jaw
- Jaw locking up
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth (often accompanied by pain)
- Changes in how your upper and lower teeth rest together
Top Causes for TMJ Disorders
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw injuries
- Arthritis
- Stress (which tightens the muscles)
- Physiological predisposition
Benefits of Treating TMJ
- Symptom relief
- Improved range of jaw motion
- Better sleep and rest (due to improved comfort)
- Overall restoration of quality of life
TMD Treatment: At a Glance:
- Treatment Types: 30–60 minutes (in-office), 2–4 weeks (take-home kits)
- Results Duration: Temporary to permanent
- Speed of Results: Varies based on treatment, but mostly gradual improvements
What Is a TMJ Treatment Like?
Treatments for your TMJ disorder can range from simple exercises to surgical interventions. The factors at play include:
- The cause of the condition
- The severity of your symptoms
- Personal medical history and past treatments
Our dental team works with each patient individually to assess their situation. We get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms and build a plan around it. We always want to start with the mildest treatments first. While surgery may prove needed in some cases, we reserve it for more severe cases, often with debilitating symptoms.
How Do We Treat TMJ Disorders?
- Physical Therapy: Therapy aims to improve muscle function and prevent it from tightening when not in use.
- Medication: Muscle relaxants and pain relievers can provide some measure of symptom improvement in mild cases.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help alleviate pain. Some patients may find improvements with neurotoxin injections.
- Oral Appliances: A splint or mouth guard can help improve TMD symptoms. For example, a night guard can improve symptoms associated with bruxism-related TMD.
- Stress Management: Stress can cause tension throughout the body. We can provide steps to help improve your response to stressors and maintain muscle relaxation.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
When you come in for your consultation visit, we spend time learning about your situation. We discuss your symptoms and conduct a full exam to understand what issues affect your TMJ’s structures. Only after a comprehensive evaluation do we begin building a treatment plan. Our specialists provide complete information about the available options, along with recommendations for moving forward.
However, at each stage, multiple options may be available. You will always remain in full control of your treatment plan, with our specialists providing clear and transparent recommendations.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book your consultation with our oral health experts today to see lasting improvements in TMD symptoms. We are proud to create personalized treatment plans for TMJ disorders in Riverside that adapt to patient needs. Each treatment plan is designed to restore comfort and provide satisfying symptom relief. Call our office today to learn more about our suite of treatments that will bring back a lasting smile.