Do you wake up with jaw or tooth pain? You may have a temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder is often caused by damage to the temporomandibular joint, stress, and misaligned teeth. The temporomandibular joint which connects the jawbone to the skull can cause pain to the jaw and muscles in the face if it is damaged.
Dr. Shannon French provides TMJ treatment in Bladenboro, NC. She works with her patients to find the best methods of treatment to alleviate pain and restore the function of the bite. Contact Bladenboro Family Dentistry if you have noticed tooth, jaw, or facial pain.
Dr. French and her team will be glad to help you get the restorative dental treatment you need.
Treating TMJ Disorders at Bladenboro Family Dentistry
Our professional dental team helps patients address tooth and jaw pain with exercises and custom night guards. Patients with mild symptoms of TMJ can do jaw exercises to help reduce stress and pressure on the jaw joint. For patients with bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, oral appliances are a great choice.
Oral appliances, or night guards, are similar to sports mouthguards but are made of a different plastic. To create these appliances, we take digital impressions of the teeth. After they are complete, night guards cover the teeth and protect them from wear and tear. Wearing this custom mouthguard at night can also treat symptoms including chronic headaches, facial pain, and tooth damage.
Signs of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders manifest in multiple ways:
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw and tooth pain
- Worn tooth enamel
- Difficulty chewing
- Restricted jaw mobility
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
Contact our office if you have any combination of these symptoms. We can examine your jaw joints and teeth to determine if you have a mild, moderate, or severe form of TMJ.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
How long does TMJ treatment take?
The usual length of treatment for adults ranges from 18 months to three years. Therapies like jaw massage or stretching, neck stretching, and stress-reduction activities can bring about some alleviation immediately. Unfortunately, it can take weeks or even months to fully realize the full advantages of therapy.
Does TMJ ever fully heal?
Fortunately, TMJ dysfunction can be treated. You can permanently heal it with the right care and treatment; however, treatment may need to be ongoing.
What are the long-term effects of TMJ?
TMJ problem is not life-threatening, but if left untreated, they can cause substantial strain and discomfort. It may even spark the development of conditions like anxiety and depression due to chronic pain.
Is TMJ surgery painful?
You’ll typically feel jaw pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising after TMJ surgery. For the first day following surgery, apply cold packs to the face for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. When you’re sleeping, raise your head with two or three pillows to reduce swelling.
What is the most effective treatment for TMJ?
The most frequently recommended treatment for TMJ symptoms is a bite guard. According to research, there is little chance of long-term ill effects from using a guard to relieve TMJ symptoms. A bruxism (tooth grinding) mouthguard may be also used as a TMJ mouthguard.
Does TMJ surgery change your face?
Your face can appear out of proportion from the front, the side, or both when your jaws are out of proper alignment. Orthognathic surgery realigns the bite, and the modifications are performed to remove any asymmetry. A corrective jaw operation can significantly alter your appearance, enhancing your facial symmetry.
How painful is TMJ surgery?
You’ll generally feel jaw pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising after TMJ surgery. For the first day following surgery, apply cold packs to your face for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. When you’re sleeping, elevate your head with two or three pillows to reduce swelling. After a few days, you should begin to feel back to normal.
Contact Our Office for TMJ Treatment
Have you noticed pressure in your jaw joints or suffer from frequent tooth or facial pain? Call our dental office for TMJ treatment today at 910-469-4592. Request a dental appointment with Dr. French and her experienced dental team on our website.