TMJ Treatment Options Available in Auburn Hills, MI
We use our temporomandibular joint (TMJ) every time we open our mouths to speak or swallow food. TMJ pain and treatment are complex, and only a qualified dentist can help determine the underlying cause and symptoms. There is no excuse to suffer alone if you have temporomandibular joint pain. Discovering more about TMJ at Pristine Dental Care can help you know when to seek treatment from one of our dental professionals in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
TMJ Treatment at Pristine Dental Care
The initial step in Pristine Dental Care’s TMD therapy is a thorough evaluation to determine your best treatment choices. Dr. Derrick Joseph, DDS, may propose the development of an occlusal guard depending on the extent of your TMJ pain. Occlusal or “bite” guards come in various designs which realign the jaw, stop teeth grinding and clenching, provide jaw relaxation, and ease tension in the jaw muscles.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that joins the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull on either side of the face. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. TMJ is a disc and capsule composed of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Due to its many components and frequency of use, TMJ is prone to developing problems. A problem with TMJ is known as Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), sometimes called TMJ.
TMD are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves that cause persistent facial pain. These disorders could result in minor to severe symptoms, such as:
- Pain during biting or chewing
- Neck, face, jaw, and ear pain
- Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the jaw
- Locking of jaws
- Intense ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Chronic headaches
- chipped teeth
What causes TMJ/TMD?
It’s important to visit a dentist specializing in TMJ to improve and maintain oral health and hygiene. TMD can be caused by the following:
- Grinding/Clenching Teeth: Excessive teeth grinding can progressively shift your teeth out of place. If your upper and lower teeth do not close properly, your muscles may move the temporomandibular joints out of their sockets to force your teeth together, causing misalignment. A misaligned jaw may result in a TMJ disorder.
- Jaw, Head, or Neck Injury: Any blow to the lower jaw can result in trauma severe enough to misalign, dislocate, or even break your jaw. A strong impact to the side of the head might cause the temporalis muscle to contract. When it tightens, the tightness lifts the lower jaw, causing misalignment. TMD can also occur in whiplash.
- Poor Tooth/Jaw Alignment: Because of misalignment, one side of the mouth may have higher biting power than the other. The additional pressure and force cause pain in the muscles around the jaw and jaw. Additionally, a patient’s jaw may need to overcompensate by moving too far to the front when biting, potentially causing facial discomfort and aches.
- Arthritis or Disease: Acute Infectious Arthritis may also cause TMJ infection by the hematogenous transmission of bloodborne pathogens or direct extension of an existing condition in the surrounding area. The joint is inflamed, and jaw mobility is painful and limited.
TMJ Cost
Your dental insurance plan will determine the cost of getting TMJ treatment from a dentist. While most dental insurance policies cover routine exams and cleanings, procedures like TMJ therapy may be more expensive depending on the treatment area and the service performed. Please contact our office for further details on what services your insurance plan provides.
TMJ Treatment in Auburn Hills, MI
If left untreated, TMJ is a serious condition that can result in significant discomfort and pain. Contact us to book an appointment with Pristine Dental Care today to resume pain-free mealtimes and conversations with friends and family. Dr. Joseph and his trusted team are proud to provide the best care possible with modern techniques.
