Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJD)
End TMJ Discomfort
What We Offer
We offer a range of effective treatments for headaches, including:
Physical therapy
Eases muscle tension, improves flexibility, and enhances range of motion, promoting recovery and reducing discomfort from muscle strain.
Trigger point injections
Relieves pain by directly targeting muscle knots, releasing tension and improving movement in affected areas for lasting relief.
Laser therapy
A painless, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, speeds healing, and alleviates symptoms of chronic and acute conditions.
Nightguard/ Splint
Protects teeth from grinding, alleviates jaw pain, and prevents TMJ strain by keeping the jaw in a relaxed position during sleep.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
Arthritis: Joint inflammation, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to pain and dysfunction.
Autoimmune Disease: Conditions like lupus or scleroderma can affect the TMJ, causing pain or joint damage.
Long Dental Procedures: Prolonged mouth opening during dental work can strain or overstretch the TMJ, leading to discomfort or pain.
Overstretching the Mouth: Excessive stretching, such as during yawning or biting large objects, can stress the TMJ and cause discomfort.
Injury: Trauma to the jaw, face, or head, such as from accidents or sports injuries, can damage the TMJ or its surrounding structures.
Intubation: Medical procedures involving intubation can overstretch the jaw and TMJ, sometimes resulting in joint pain or dysfunction.
Infection: Infections in the jaw or ear can spread to the TMJ, leading to inflammation and pain.
Clenching: Chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) puts pressure on the TMJ, leading to muscle strain and joint problems.
Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to TMJ disorders due to their genetic makeup or jaw structure.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint or the muscles that control jaw movement.
- Aching pain in the face, neck, or ear.
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- Locking of the jaw.
- Painful clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint.
- Headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness.
Degenerative joint disease: Wear and tear of the TMJ joint.
- Physical therapy: To improve jaw movement and muscle function.
- Medication: To manage pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In severe cases, to correct underlying issues.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a dentist or healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Night Guards for TMJ: A Comprehensive Guide
A night guard, also known as a mouthguard or occlusal splint, is a custom-fitted dental appliance designed to protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). While they are commonly used to prevent tooth wear and damage, night guards can also be beneficial in managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Custom-Fitted Design
A night guard is specifically designed to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Reduces Jaw Muscle Tension
By preventing teeth grinding and clenching, night guards can help relax the jaw muscles and alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders.
Protects Teeth
Night guards act as a barrier between your teeth, preventing wear and tear caused by bruxism.