TMJ Treatment Auburn
Soothe Your Sore Jaw
Do you often struggle with symptoms like a sore jaw, tense facial muscles, and difficulty chewing? If so, you might have a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Without treatment, this problem can seriously affect your quality of life! The good news is that our Auburn team offers non-invasive treatments that can soothe your sore jaw and potentially produce long-term symptom relief. Continue reading below to learn more, or contact our office directly to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
Why Choose Auburn Dental Smiles for TMJ Treatment?
- Non-Invasive Treatment Options
- Highly Dedicated Dentists & Team Members
- Reasonable Fees & Multiple Payment Options
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorder is sometimes referred to as TMD or even TMJ. However, calling it TMJ is a misnomer because TMJ is actually the name of your jaw joints! These delicate and complex structures control movement of your lower jaw. They allow you to speak, eat, laugh, and make a range of facial expressions.
Unfortunately, when the TMJs suffer damage or inflammation, a broad range of unpleasant symptoms can result. TMD may be caused by issues like injury, stress, teeth grinding, or other factors.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can cause quite a few different symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or biting
- Stiffness or limited movement of the jaw joint
- Headaches, particularly around the temples
- Migraines
- Pain in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Facial pain or swelling along the jawline
- Locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
Treatments for TMJ Disorder
In order to determine the best way to treat your TMJ disorder, our team will perform a thorough evaluation. We will ask about your symptoms and carry out an examination. We may also take some X-rays of the joint. Once we gather adequate information, we can talk to you about your treatment options. Things like lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments may provide a degree of relief. However, we will also likely recommend a professional treatment, such as an occlusal splint or BOTOX injections.
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom-made oral appliance that gently repositions the jaw in order to take stress off it and help your facial muscles relax. It can also prevent teeth grinding and clenching. With consistent use of their occlusal splint, many patients experience long-term symptom relief.
BOTOX® Injections
While BOTOX is most famous for its cosmetic applications, it can also be a valuable tool in the battle against TMD. Strategic injections can force your facial muscles to relax, which can relieve tension, reduce teeth grinding, and significantly reduce pain. You may choose to visit us every few months for additional injections so you can continue enjoying results.
