TMJ Treatment
TMJ Treatment in Metro Atlanta
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders describe a whole range of problems related to the complex jaw joint. TMJ is the name for each joint (right and left) connecting your jaw and skull. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, stiffness, or a “clicking” feeling when you open and close your mouth, call on the seasoned team of surgical professionals here at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery. We’ve been helping patients in the Metro Atlanta area overcome TMJ-related discomfort for 40 years, and we have the skills and expertise to deliver the same unrivaled services to you. Luckily, TMJ problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than ever before, ensuring you can get the help you need to chew, talk, and laugh without worry. Please keep reading to learn more about TMJ disorders or contact us now to schedule an appointment.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders can develop for a wide range of reasons, so it’s best to get a clear and concise diagnosis from our professionals to have us treat it accordingly. Whether you’re dealing with a misaligned bite, grating noises, or something else that doesn’t quite seem right with your jaw, our doctors will be able to provide you with more accurate diagnostics when you schedule an appointment with us. The following circumstances could be the underlying cause of TMJ:
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Damaged jaw joint
- Injury and trauma
- Arthritis
- A slipped disk in the jaw joint
Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ symptoms typically occur when the jaw joints and the chewing muscles fail to work together correctly. Some symptoms of TMJ disorder include the following:
- Waking up with sore, stiff muscles around the jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Worsened pain when clenching your teeth
- Frequent, unexplainable headaches or neck aches
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open your mouth
- Your jaw feels like it catches or locks when opening the mouth
- Eating, laughing, yawning, or talking becomes difficult or painful
- You already have been diagnosed with arthritis
- Your teeth or unexplainably worn, loose, or broken
- You notice it has become difficult for you to bite and tear food with your front teeth
- Your teeth no longer touch when you bite down or meet differently than before
Treatment for TMJ
No one treatment can completely resolve TMJ disorders, and it can often take time for treatment to become effective. However, a complete evaluation of your condition must be conducted to discover your unique diagnosis. Our primary goal is to help patients relieve joint pain and muscle spasms often associated with the disorder. This is typically accomplished through a combination of doctor-provided care – like muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications, splints, and orthotic stabilization – as well as the following self-care practices:
- Resting your jaw
- Wearing a nightguard
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
- Stress management techniques
No Matter the Scope, AOFS Can Help
If your TMJ disorder is causing problems with how your teeth fit together, you may require advanced treatment. From bite adjustment treatment and restorative dental work to accommodating orthodontics and surgical solutions such as arthroscopy, we can deliver all the treatment options necessary to relieve TMJ symptoms.