TMD/TMJ Treatment in San Carlos

Hours

Monday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Wednesday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Friday

8:00am - 2:00pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What Is TMD/TMJ?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that lead to pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the jaw to the skull.

“TMDs” refers to the disorders, while “TMJ” refers explicitly to the temporomandibular joint itself. Each person has two TMJs, one on either side of the jaw. To find your TMJ, place a finger in front of your ears on each side of your jaw, and open your mouth.

While the two acronyms often get bundled together as TMD/TMJ, they are distinct: TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD refers to disorders involving inflammation or misalignment of the TMJs. One way to remember the difference is that TMJ (J for joint) identifies the joint, whereas TMD (D for disorder) describes the conditions that affect it.

What Causes TMD/TMJ? What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

TMD symptoms can result from a number of different issues with the jaw muscles or with the components of the joint itself. Some of the more common causes of TMD/TMJ can include the include:

Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing pain and restricted movement.

Jaw Injury: Any sort of trauma to the jaw, such as a head blow or whiplash, can damage the TMJ, leading to the development of TMDs.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic clenching or grinding of your teeth can put excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to wear and tear over time.

Misaligned Bite: A misaligned bite or malocclusion can cause uneven pressure on the jaw joint, contributing to TMD.

Stress: Too much stress and pressure in the jaw can lead to muscle tension and aggravate or trigger TMD symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

Symptoms of TMD/TMJ can sometimes develop slowly or be easily mistaken for other conditions. However, if symptoms persist or increase in intensity or pain, you should speak to your local Smile Design dentist immediately. Common symptoms of TMD/TMJ include:

Jaw pain
Headaches
Earaches
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Difficulty chewing
Tenderness
Facial pain
Facial swelling

Smile Design Dentistry in San Carlos offers comprehensive TMD/TMJ treatment plans tailored to your needs.

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Get Advanced TMD/TMJ Treatment at Smile Design Dentistry in San Carlos

At Smile Design Dentistry, our jaw pain specialists are dedicated to providing an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment solutions for TMD/TMJ. Some of our treatment options include:

Occlusal Guards: We create custom-fitted mouthguards to alleviate teeth grinding (bruxism) and reduce pressure on the TMJ, helping relieve pain and prevent further damage.

Physical therapy: Our specialists may recommend physical therapy exercises to strengthen jaw muscles, improve mobility, and reduce tension in the TMJ.

Medications: We prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in the jaw joint.

Lifestyle modifications: We offer guidance to include lifestyle changes that can help minimize strain on the jaw. This includes topics such as stress management techniques, dietary adjustments, and avoiding habits that might continue to aggravate jaw symptoms.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring you receive the care that best suits your condition and lifestyle.

TMD/TMJ FAQs

How long does TMD/TMJ treatment take?

The duration of TMD/TMJ treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Some patients feel relief within a few weeks, while others may need ongoing treatment over several months. Factors affecting treatment success include patient age, health, severity of symptoms, and lifestyle choices.

What medications are used for TMD/TMJ?

Those who suffer from TMD/TMJ pain typically start with over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, if those medications aren’t strong enough to provide relief, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Is surgery necessary for TMD/TMJ?

Surgery is rarely needed for TMD/TMJ. Most patients find relief through non-invasive treatments, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, custom mouthguards, or medication. These approaches can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life without surgical intervention. If surgery becomes an option, it should only be considered as the last recourse after all other treatment options have been exhausted.

What happens if TMD/TMJ is left untreated?

If left untreated, TMD/TMJ can worsen and cause additional complications. Symptoms that might begin as mild numbness in the jaw can progress to chronic pain, jaw misalignment, and increased wear on teeth, potentially leading to more serious dental problems. Over time, untreated TMD/TMJ can also contribute to long-term issues such as tinnitus or sleep apnea, making it even more critical to seek early intervention and treatment to prevent further health complications.

Does insurance cover TMD/TMJ treatment?

Coverage for TMD/TMJ treatment varies by insurance provider and plan. If you need assistance understanding your benefits plan, Smile Design Dentistry has a dedicated team to help you navigate your insurance and maximize your coverage.

TMD/TMJ Treatment in San Carlos

Quick Facts

Location

Hours

What Is TMD/TMJ?

What Causes TMD/TMJ? What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

What Are the Symptoms of TMD/TMJ?

Get Advanced TMD/TMJ Treatment at Smile Design Dentistry in San Carlos

TMD/TMJ FAQs