TMJ Treatment
Expert TMJ Treatment at Worthington Periodontal Specialists
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. It enables crucial movements like chewing and speaking. A TMJ disorder can develop when this joint or the surrounding jaw muscles experience problems, causing discomfort and impacting daily life.
At Worthington Periodontal Specialists, we understand how temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can affect your quality of life. If you experience jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or discomfort, our team, led by Dr. TJ Miller, offers comprehensive treatment options to relieve TMJ symptoms and restore comfortable jaw movement.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), encompass various conditions affecting the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. You can feel the joint by placing your fingers in front of your ears. The symptoms of TMJ can vary significantly from person to person, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Recognizing the TMD symptoms is essential in seeking timely and effective treatment. These symptoms often include:
Jaw pain and tenderness
Limited range of motion
Frequent headaches
Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
Stiffness in the jaw muscles
Facial pain and inflammation
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with our Worthington, OH, team to receive a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.
What to Expect During Recovery
Following osseous surgery, it is common to experience some swelling, discomfort, and bleeding for a few days. Our Worthington team will provide you with specific post-operative instructions, which may include:
TMJ Treatment Options
Our approach to TMJ treatment focuses on conservative treatments to alleviate TMD pain and improve jaw function.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Treatments
In many cases, simple lifestyle changes and home treatments offer significant relief from TMJ disorder symptoms. Modifications such as avoiding excessive gum chewing, practicing good posture, and applying heat or ice can reduce inflammation and tenderness and prevent extreme movements like wide yawning.
By making healthy lifestyle changes and practicing the home treatments recommended for your specific condition, you can actively participate in your TMJ recovery and experience a significant reduction in discomfort.
Bruxism Treatment
Our office treats bruxism by addressing its underlying causes and alleviating symptoms associated with teeth grinding. Our specialists employ various techniques, including behavioral therapies, mouthguards to protect the teeth, and stress-reducing exercises. We understand the discomfort bruxism can cause and are here to provide effective and compassionate care.
Injections and Medications
For cases of severe pain or persistent inflammation, we may recommend a course of injections or medications to manage your symptoms. Corticosteroid injections, administered directly into the affected joint, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These injections offer targeted treatment to the affected area.
We may prescribe medications to address pain and muscle spasms in conjunction with injections or as an alternative. These may include muscle relaxants to ease tension in the jaw muscles or over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
Bruxism Treatment
Bruxism, characterized by the grinding of the teeth, frequently contributes to TMJ disorders. The excessive force exerted on the teeth and jaw muscles during bruxism can lead to pain, headaches, and damage to the teeth.
Addressing bruxism is essential in providing comprehensive TMJ treatment. One of the most effective treatments involves custom-made oral appliances, often referred to as night guards. These guards are worn during sleep and help prevent teeth grinding by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
Addressing the underlying bruxism can alleviate the strain on the jaw muscles, allowing for proper healing and reducing TMJ disorder symptoms. We will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Expert Treatment for Disorders of the TMJ
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or discomfort, Worthington Periodontal Specialists is here to help. Call our Worthington, OH, office at 614-885-5525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. TJ Miller and explore treatment options that work for you.