Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing? You might be dealing with TMJ disorder. This common condition affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder can cause pain and limit your ability to speak, eat, and even smile comfortably.
At Garfield Dental in Traverse City, we understand how TMJ pain can affect your daily life. Our experienced dental team specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders with personalized care. We focus on finding the root cause of your discomfort and creating effective treatment plans to help you find relief. Our Traverse City patients appreciate our gentle approach to treating jaw pain and related symptoms.
What Are the Signs of TMJ?
TMJ disorder can present itself in many ways. You might have TMJ if you experience:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing
- Headaches, often present upon waking
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Jaw locking in an open or closed position
- Pain in or around your ears
- Facial pain or soreness
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Worn, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together
Many patients in Traverse City don’t realize these symptoms are connected to their jaw joint. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, we recommend scheduling an evaluation with our dental team at Garfield Dental.
Types of TMJ Treatment
Oral Appliance Therapy
One of the most common and effective treatments for TMJ is oral appliance therapy. This involves wearing a custom-made device that helps position your jaw properly and prevents harmful habits like teeth grinding and clenching. These appliances, also called night guards, mouth guards, or splints, are designed specifically for your mouth. They work by keeping your teeth slightly apart to reduce muscle tension and prevent grinding during sleep. Your appliance will reposition your jaw to a more comfortable alignment while protecting your teeth from further damage. This helps reduce pressure on the jaw joint and allows the muscles to relax. At Garfield Dental, we create your appliance from comfortable, durable materials and fit it precisely to your teeth for maximum effectiveness and comfort.
Bite Correction
Sometimes TMJ pain stems from problems with how your teeth fit together. When your bite is uneven, it can place extra stress on your jaw joint and muscles. Our bite correction treatments at Garfield Dental can help by adjusting uneven tooth surfaces and addressing underlying issues. We might recommend replacing missing teeth with dental implants or bridges to restore proper alignment. For damaged teeth, crowns or bonding procedures can help create a more balanced bite. In some cases, orthodontic treatments may be needed to align teeth properly. The goal is to create harmony in your bite so pressure is distributed evenly across all teeth. After a thorough analysis of your bite, our Traverse City dental team will recommend the most appropriate correction method for your specific needs.
Other TMJ Treatments
Depending on the severity and cause of your TMJ disorder, Garfield Dental may recommend additional treatments such as:
- Physical Therapy: Simple jaw exercises and stretches can strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers may help manage symptoms temporarily.
- Lifestyle Changes: Learning stress management techniques, avoiding hard foods, and practicing good posture can reduce TMJ symptoms.
- Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying moist heat or ice packs to the jaw area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
In rare cases of severe TMJ that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, more advanced options might be considered, including specialized injections or surgical procedures.
TMJ Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ disorder?
While only a professional evaluation can confirm TMJ disorder, common signs include jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds when opening your mouth, and difficulty chewing. If you experience these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment at Garfield Dental for a proper diagnosis.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of your condition and the type of treatment. Many of our Traverse City patients experience relief within a few weeks with oral appliance therapy, while others with more complex cases may need several months of treatment.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Mild cases of TMJ may improve with rest and self-care. However, most cases require professional treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and to provide lasting relief.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover TMJ treatments under dental benefits, while others classify it under medical benefits. Our Garfield Dental office staff can help determine your coverage and discuss payment options.
Are there things I can do at home to help my TMJ pain?
Yes, several self-care strategies can help, including applying warm compresses, eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw movements, practicing relaxation techniques, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Request an Appointment
Don’t let jaw pain affect your quality of life. Our experienced dental team at Garfield Dental is ready to help you find relief from TMJ discomfort with personalized treatment options.
Contact us today at (231) 518-3715 to schedule your TMJ evaluation, or use our convenient online scheduling form to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you smile, speak, and eat comfortably again at our Traverse City dental office!