If you experience clicking when you open and close your mouth, frequent headaches, or clogged ears, then you may be experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder. The team at Smile Country Dental, located in Santa Rosa and Napa, California, offers multiple options for TMJ Treatment designed to minimize and eliminate these symptoms. To schedule an initial consultation, call or use the online booking tool today.
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a group of conditions that affects the function of your jaw joint or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There are three main categories of TMJ dysfunction:
Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:
TMJ dysfunction is a common, yet painful disorder. It ultimately affects the muscles around your jaw that enable you to chew.
There are multiple causes of TMJ dysfunction including:
The team at Smile Country Dental examines you to understand the cause associated with your TMJ dysfunction. They then establish personalized treatment plans that target the underlying cause of the condition.
Simple treatment options for TMJ include anti-inflammatory medications and hot compresses. However, the team at Smile Country Dental understands that more complex cases of TMJ dysfunction require further intervention. These cases require a two-phase treatment plan.
The first phase involves you wearing an acrylic orthotic device. This device is designed to ensure your temporomandibular joint is in a comfortable position. Once the fit is determined, you wear the orthotic on your lower teeth all day and night for four to six months or until the symptoms of TMJ subside.
The second phase begins when you no longer are experiencing symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Based on your individual needs, the team assesses which options are best for you. Below are examples of common phase 2 treatments.
Generally worn at night, bite splints provide an acrylic platform to bite against. They are designed to relieve symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
Further phase 2 treatment options include:
To schedule an initial consultation with the team at Smile Country Dental, call or use the online booking tool today.