Categories: TMJ

How is TMJ Treated?

Looking into your TMJ treatment options? Choosing a TMJ specialist helps ensure those who are diagnosed with this jaw-related disorder received the right type of treatment. Ready to learn more?

About TMJ

Understanding what TMJ is, as well as how it is treated, is necessary for those who have been diagnosed with this disorder. TMJ is a condition that causes one's lower jaw joints to not work properly, which causes patients to experience certain jaw-related problems. These problems tend to get in the way of normal function, as the jaw joints allow one to properly chew, swallow, talk and yawn. Common symptoms of TMJ include facial pain, jaw stiffness, a clicking or popping sound and a shift in the alignment of the upper and lower teeth.

TMJ treatment options

According to Hopkins Medicine, a health care provider will determine the ideal treatment based on the patient's age, overall health, medical history, how well they handle specific medicines, procedures or therapies and how long the condition is expected to last.

Dental night guards

A dental night guard is one of the more popular treatment options for those diagnosed with this potentially painful jaw-related disorder. Many people who are diagnosed with TMJ will also grind their teeth, which can lead to additional problems. Night guards are worn while sleeping to prevent the wearer from grinding their teeth, as, at night, they have no control over their grinding action. Night guards also help keep the jaw in its ideal position by supporting a more natural bite position and retrain one's jaw muscles to work properly.

Relaxation techniques

Learning some relaxation techniques is beneficial for those who believe they were diagnosed with TMJ because they experience a lot of stress during their everyday lives. Performing certain relaxation exercises helps to reduce one’s stress, which helps reduce any tension in the jaw muscles. It is necessary for those who perform TMJ relaxation techniques to start out slowly and build up to performing more exercises as they gradually begin to feel improvements in their jaw.

Hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy techniques are a common treatment for those who are suffering from TMJ-related pain. Cold therapy helps to reduce any pain one experiences; it requires them to apply a cold pack on their painful area for about 10 minutes at a time. Applying a hot pack for 20 minutes at a time helps promote healing by increasing one's blood flow to the painful area. Even though this treatment option will help relieve one’s discomfort and pain, it is not considered a permanent treatment option for those diagnosed with TMJ.

Bottom line

When someone is diagnosed with TMJ, they can undergo treatment to lessen and even eliminate their symptoms. TMJ can really get in the way of one's ability to perform everyday actions, like eating and talking, which often makes treatment necessary. Since there are many different types of TMJ treatment options available, those diagnosed need to make a consultation appointment in order to learn which option is ideal for them.

Request an appointment here: https://brighton.drjstearns.com or call Platte Valley Oral Surgery at (303) 997-0223 for an appointment in our Brighton office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Brighton, CO.

Recent Posts

A Guide To Surgical Tooth Extractions By Oral Surgeons

A surgical tooth extraction may be a result of multiple issues. Teeth are not like other bones in the body that can heal to their original strength with time and a cast. While there are certain restoration techniques for damaged teeth, a surgical tooth extraction from an oral surgeon can be the most effective option…

Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Require Invasive Surgery From An Oral Surgeon?

You might have heard the term “wisdom tooth extraction” often. However, you might not know that every type of extraction does not require surgery. Some kinds only require a simple procedure. Keep reading to find out more about what a wisdom tooth extraction from an oral surgeon involves.In many cases, the wisdom teeth can be…

Oral Surgeon Procedures For Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) is performed by an oral surgeon to correct different forms of skeletal and dental issues, including jaw and teeth misalignment. The aim is to improve oral functions such as breathing, speaking, and eating. Although the surgery may improve the appearance of the patient's teeth significantly, corrective jaw surgery…

Why You Should Seek Out Help For Your TMJ Disorder

If you are experiencing symptoms like jaw pain and stiffness, TMJ disorder might be the problem. This disorder can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. The condition generally worsens without treatment. A TMJ specialist is a trained and experienced professional who offers treatment for TMJ disorders. Continue reading to find out…

Platte Valley Oral Surgery

Share
Published by
Platte Valley Oral Surgery

Recent Posts

A Guide to Surgical Tooth Extractions by Oral Surgeons

A surgical tooth extraction may be a result of multiple issues. Teeth are not like…

4 days ago

Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Require Invasive Surgery From an Oral Surgeon?

You might have heard the term “wisdom tooth extraction” often. However, you might not know…

1 month ago

Oral Surgeon Procedures for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is done to remove, add, or modify jaw structure, with the aim…

2 months ago

Why You Should Seek Out Help for Your TMJ Disorder

A TMJ specialist is a trained and experienced professional who offers treatment for TMJ disorders.…

3 months ago

Oral Surgeon Bone Grafting for Dental Implants FAQs

Bone grafting is a minor surgical treatment done under local anesthetic to replace depleted bone…

4 months ago

The Benefits of All-On-4

If you are interested in All-on-4 or think you may be an ideal treatment, continue…

5 months ago