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TMJ Treatment Claremont, CA

TMJ TherapyAn Overview

The temporomandibular joint is the delicate joint that connects the upper and lower jaw to the skull. The health of the temporomandibular joint is essential for helping you chew and speak comfortably. Damage or misuse of the joint can create a range of painful symptoms referred to as TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Patients may experience TMD for different reasons. An injury to the joint, bruxism, or stress can all induce discomfort in the face and jaw. For many patients teeth grinding or jaw clenching can put added pressure on the joint causing damage or muscle tension that triggers chronic pain symptoms, headaches, and discomfort.

Left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic, sometimes debilitating pain in the face, neck, shoulders and upper back. Early and precise diagnosis of the underlying cause of jaw pain or issues is imperative for effective treatment. Claremont Dental Institute provides comprehensive TMJ Therapy.

“When it comes to TMJ treatment, the importance of early treatment cannot be overstated. The condition can advance in stages and get progressively worse. Successful treatment results can be the end to the cycle of pain.”
—Dr. Steve Fountain

jaw pain tmj treatment in Claremont, California

Symptoms of TMJ

Do I have TMJ?

If you ever wake up with headaches, experience chronic facial pain, or have tension in your face or jaw, you may have TMJ. Patients with TMJ often complain of upper back, neck and shoulder pain, popping or clicking of the jaw, or numbness in the face.

TMJ pain is difficult to subside with over the counter medications and requires proper diagnosis and treatment for relief.

Be sure to tell your Claremont Dental Institute dentist if you experience the symptoms of TMJ. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent secondary dental health concerns from developing.

TMJ Therapy What to Expect

Claremont Dental Institute utilizes state of the art diagnostic technology to determine the underlying functional cause of TMD related pain. Your dentist will thoroughly analyze the alignment and health of your teeth and jaw.

Treatment for TMJ will vary and depends on the patient’s habits, lifestyle, overall oral health, and preferences.

For many patients with TMJ, an oral appliance worn during sleep helps to relieve jaw pain. Patients who grind their teeth while sleeping often find relief from their discomfort after only a few nights wearing their oral appliance. The oral appliance is custom fabricated to fit comfortably and snugly in the mouth.

The device is designed to prevent the upper and lower jaw from grinding together, allowing the system of muscles and tendons to relax while you rest. Over time, the jaw joint, and muscle begin to heal.

Patients may require additional restorative procedures to fully rebuild their smile. Patients who have lived with TMJ for prolonged amounts of time may have excessively worn, chipped, or missing teeth. Porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or other cosmetic restorations may be used to repair damage to the teeth.

Crooked teeth can also cause bite misalignment putting stress on the jaw joint. Invisalign, orthodontics or a combination of cosmetic solutions may be used to align the jaw and bite properly.

Your dentist will also make personalized recommendations based on your lifestyle and unique needs on how to manage stress and improve your oral wellness. Exercise, meditation and other stress management techniques can often be enacted to reduce inflammation and the habit of jaw clenching.

TMJ Therapy FAQs

Is a headache a warning sign of a TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is the result of strain on your jaw joints. This strain can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches, but also soreness in the jaw or face, a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw, or aches in the neck or shoulders. If you think one or more of these possible warning signs sound familiar, then consider seeing us for a consultation.

Can the dentist address my TMJ disorder?

We can recommend an oral appliance, which is similar to a night guard and worn while you sleep. The device helps reposition the jaw, addressing the strain. However, we can also address your TMJ issue with orthodontics, restorations, or missing tooth replacement, depending on the cause.

Is the disorder related to bruxism?

In some cases, untreated TMJ disorder can lead to bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). In addition, untreated bruxism can also strain the jaw joints, leading to TMJ disorders. Both of these issues are often related. Fortunately, an oral appliance can also help prevent further damage from teeth grinding episodes. If you have any questions about our treatments for bruxism and TMJ, then please contact our office today.