Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and intermittent ringing in the ears. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat. Your team at Grossi Dental can assess your situation and make recommendations that can improve your overall wellness.
The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with everyday life. The comfort and general well-being of the patient is at the heart of the work we do at Grossi Dental, so pain relief is the first consideration of our team when creating a treatment plan for a patient with TMJ. Our team is able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Why should you treat TMJ?
TMJ sufferers report that their symptoms generally worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress, and that intense outbreaks of the condition can lead to neck pain and dizziness. As members of your total wellness team, Grossi Dental will work to alleviate these symptoms by getting to the root cause.
The most common cause of TMJ is the misalignment of the teeth, often called “bad bite.” It is possible for the team at Grossi Dental to realign or adjust the teeth without the need for painful or expensive surgeries. In most cases, the realignment/adjustment will stop the pounding headaches, the jaw pain, and the dizziness.
When you have TMJ, grinding your teeth is a common symptom which typically occurs at night. Teeth grinding due to TMJ will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and can lead to much more severe dental problems down the road. Unfortunately, untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth. We don’t want that to happen to you, so please discuss any symptoms you have with the team at Grossi Dental so that we can address and treat your TMJ. It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis.
What does TMJ treatment at the dentist involve?
TMJ could be a result of several different problems. Bad bite is the most common, but an injury resulting from a blow to the meniscus cartilage is also a possibility. Initially, the Grossi Dental team will thoroughly examine the jaw area, the patients bite, take x-rays, and review the patient’s history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
Once a TMJ diagnosis is confirmed, there are several ways in which relief can be provided. A customized, molded bite guard (also known as a night guard) can be created to stop teeth grinding during the night. A bite relationship analysis may be recommended by the dentist. We can also provide advice on relaxation techniques which will lessen the effects of stress. As a last alternative, our dentists can also prescribe muscle relaxants. We will explore all options, explain the options, and together decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Determining the cause of your TMJ is an important step in treatment. Therapy can range from a custom bite plate or splint to prevent grinding your teeth at night to anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Applying heat to the affected joint and eating softer foods can also reduce discomfort. If you are experiencing TMJ issues, give us a call to set up an appointment today. We can suggest therapies based on what’s causing your pain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ, and what are the common symptoms?
Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing symptoms such as severe headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and intermittent ringing in the ears. Many people are unaware that these issues are related to TMJ, but a dentist can diagnose and effectively treat the condition to alleviate the discomfort.
How is TMJ treated by a dentist?
TMJ treatment often involves non-surgical methods, such as realigning the teeth (also known as bite adjustment) to stop teeth grinding and alleviate jaw pain. Dentists may also create a custom bite guard to prevent nighttime grinding or recommend relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related symptoms. In more severe cases, muscle relaxants or restorations may be suggested to correct the bite and improve dental health.
Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.
We help you attain and maintain a healthy mouth, which has a direct impact on the health of the rest of your body. No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, the Grossi Dental team is here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps toward better smiles and healthier lives. Total wellness starts with your oral health.
Take some time to learn more about the services we provide, and when you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our office.
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At our practice, we’re passionate about providing exceptional dental care for every member of your family. From your little ones to seniors, we offer a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels right at home. Our goal is to make every visit as easy and stress-free as possible, so you and your loved ones can enjoy a healthy, radiant smile.
We focus on preventive care to keep your smiles shining brightly. Whether it’s routine check-ups and cleanings or treatments like dental sealants and fluoride, we’re here to help maintain your family’s oral health. If you ever need restorative, cosmetic, or emergency care, our experienced team is ready to provide the comprehensive treatments you need. Come experience dental care designed with your family in mind!
