TMJ Disorder Treatments
Comprehensive TMJ Treatment
When temporomandibular joints (TMJs) stop functioning properly, the pain is not isolated to your jaws. TMJ disorder treatments in Nashville can help ease pain and discomfort in your jaw joints and your face, neck, and shoulders. At Iroquois Dentistry in Nashville, TN, Dr. K.B. Parkes, Dr. Tyler Smith, Dr. Jody Glover, and Dr. Megan Allred provide custom oral appliances and BOTOX® injections to help relieve your TMJ disorder symptoms. We can also recommend simple lifestyle changes to help you experience relief.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is common in patients who clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. This clenching places excessive strain on the TMJs and damages the teeth, which can, in turn, disrupt the balance of your bite and further irritate the TMJs.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The TMJ is the hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It enables you to perform essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD): TMD encompasses various conditions affecting the TMJ and the muscles controlling jaw movement. TMD can cause significant discomfort and impact your quality of life.
Although you might think your earache or the ringing in your ears is the result of an ear infection, it could be a result of TMJ disorder. Other symptoms can indicate TMJ disorder as well, including:
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you are not alone. More than 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from this condition.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
Although your earache or ear ringing may result from an ear infection, it could result from TMJ disorder. Other symptoms can indicate TMJ disorder as well, including:
- Jaw Pain: Pain or tenderness in the jaw, particularly around the temporomandibular joint.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines, often resembling tension headaches.
- Facial Pain: Pain in the face, particularly around the jaw and ears.
- Difficulty Chewing: Pain or discomfort while chewing or biting.
- Lockjaw: The jaw getting stuck or locked in an open or closed position.
- Clicking or Popping: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
- Limited Movement: Reduced ability to open the mouth wide.
- Neck Pain: Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
- Swelling: Swelling on the side of the face.
- Toothache: Pain in the teeth, which can be mistaken for dental problems.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or experiencing vertigo.
- Misaligned Bite: A feeling that the bite is off or misaligned.
What Causes TMD?
The exact cause of TMD is often difficult to determine, but several factors can contribute to the condition, including:
- Jaw injuries
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Stress, which can tighten facial and jaw muscles
- Poor posture
Our Approach to Diagnosing TMD
The first step towards finding lasting relief is an accurate TMD/TMJ diagnosis. At Iroquois Dentistry, we utilize advanced diagnostic technology combined with our extensive experience treating jaw disorders to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms.
Each TMD evaluation includes:
- Comprehensive Oral Exam: We assess your bite alignment, jaw movement, and joint function, teeth grinding patterns, and any contributing dental issues like tooth wear or breakdown.
- Advanced Imaging: Advanced imaging provides high-definition views of your entire oral and facial structures to identify jaw joint problems.
- Bite Analysis: We carefully analyze how your teeth come together using digital bite scanning, mounted jaw models, and other techniques to detect any misalignment issues.
Once we determine the source of your TMD, our team develops a customized treatment plan to eliminate pain and restore healthy jaw function.
Treating TMJ
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you are not alone. More than 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from this condition. At Iroquois Dentistry, we truly believe in the benefits of treating the whole patient – not just the symptoms. That’s why our approach to TMJ treatment in Nashville is always comprehensive and personalized.
To treat TMJ disorder, our doctors will begin by identifying and addressing the source of the problem. Next, they can correct damage caused by the condition. We will listen to your concerns and ask questions about your symptoms to understand how TMD impacts your daily life. We’ll carefully examine you with our advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause.
Where We Begin
Our dentists may start with a custom-fitted oral appliance to place the jaw in the proper position. This oral appliance sometimes called a night guard or TMJ guard, can also prevent tooth clenching or grinding. Our dentists can also use BOTOX® as a treatment for TMJ disorder. BOTOX® can be injected into sore or uncomfortable facial muscles, often eliminating headaches and other symptoms.
We also address any other underlying dental issues that may be related to your TMD symptoms, such as tooth grinding/clenching habits, defective dental work, gum disease, or lost teeth. Our goal is not only to eliminate TMJ pain and restore function but also to improve overall oral health.
Other Treatment Options
Patients can also try other means of alleviating pain caused by TMJ disorder, such as exercising and practicing stress management. Other habits, like chewing gum, may need to cease for patients to achieve relief. In some severe cases, lifestyle changes and oral appliances might not be enough. For these patients, our dentists may make other recommendations. Here are a few other options you might try.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises, stretches, massages, and other physical therapy techniques can relax tight jaw muscles, improve range of motion and joint function, and promote proper healing.
Bite Correction: Making minor adjustments to individual teeth or orthodontic treatment can address TMD caused by a misaligned bite that’s putting excessive strain on the jaw joints.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for TMJ disorders.
Ice/Heat Therapy: Applying cold compresses or heat packs to the affected jaw areas helps reduce muscle tension and joint pain associated with TMD flare-ups.
Why Choose Iroquois Dentistry for TMJ/TMD Treatment?
- Expertise: Our highly skilled dentists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ/TMD.
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a full range of treatment options tailored to your condition.
- Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art facility has the latest diagnostic and treatment tools.
- Patient-Centric Approach: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, providing personalized care in a friendly and supportive environment.
- Convenient Location: Located in Nashville, Iroquois Dentistry is easily accessible for patients seeking TMJ/TMD treatment.
Choosing Iroquois Dentistry means choosing a team that listens to your concerns, understands your needs, and works with you to develop a customized treatment plan. We prioritize your comfort and well-being.
Can TMD Go Away on its Own?
In some cases, mild TMD symptoms may resolve independently with self-care practices such as avoiding hard foods, practicing stress management techniques, and performing jaw exercises. However, it would be best if you have one of our dentists evaluate any persistent or severe symptoms.
Nashville TMJ Treatment
At Iroquois Dentistry, we understand how TMJ and TMD can impact your daily life, causing pain, discomfort, and frustration. Imagine waking up without jaw pain, enjoying meals without discomfort, and speaking without hindrance. With our comprehensive approach to TMJ/TMD treatment, we aim to make this a reality for you. Our state-of-the-art Nashville office is equipped with the latest technology and innovative treatments designed to address the root cause of your TMJ issues, ensuring long-lasting results.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, our caring, knowledgeable dentists will listen to your concerns and evaluate your symptoms, customizing a treatment plan to help you achieve relief. Call us today at 615-551-3639 or contact us online anytime to book a consultation.
Iroquois Dentistry
Our top-rated dentists have been serving the Nashville community since 1946. We use the latest technology to offer gentle and effective care at affordable prices, and we are members of various national and local dental organizations:
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Tennessee Dental Association
- Nashville Dental Society
To schedule a visit at Iroquois Dentistry, contact us online or call 615-551-3639.