Managing TMJ Pain

If you suffer from headaches, earaches, or difficulty chewing or swallowing, you could have temporomandibular joint disorders, often referred to as TMJ. This condition can stem from many causes, including jaw or teeth misalignment or teeth grinding.

Your dentist can help you manage these painful symptoms with a number of solutions, depending on the root cause. Dr. Uttma Dham, a dentist in Plantation, FL, describes three TMJ treatment options that can help you alleviate your sore jaw.

tmj disorders treatment in Plantation Florida

TMJ Treatment Options in Plantation, FL

Stress Relief

Teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, can lead to TMJ. The grating of the top row of teeth against the bottom arch creates abnormal pressure that can leave you in pain.

Stress can be a major cause of this behavior. Your dentist might suggest stress relief activities, such as exercising and breathing activities, to lower the chance of bruxism occurring unconsciously and thus reduce jaw pain and other TMJ-related symptoms.

Your dentist may also recommend specified exercises for your mouth and face that can loosen and relax the muscles in your jaw. This can make it easier to chew and swallow normally if you have TMJ.

Oral Appliance

To manage bruxism that occurs unconsciously while you sleep, your dentist might suggest that you wear an oral appliance overnight. Your dentist can create a customized mouthguard-like device that fits comfortably in your mouth.

This can provide protection for your teeth and jaw from subconscious grinding. It can also realign your jaw as you sleep for a more comfortable position so that you can wake up with fewer painful TMJ symptoms.

Restorative Dental Treatment

Jaw pain may stem from missing or misaligned teeth that require restorative dental treatment to repair. Dental implants can improve oral function by replacing missing teeth and preventing shifting in your remaining teeth. Implants can also help jawbone health by stopping bone loss and regenerating bone that may have already deteriorated due to missing teeth.

If teeth have moved out of place, orthodontics or Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth, which can fix your bite and alleviate any abnormal pressure. With a healthy jawbone and amended tooth alignment, you can see relief from TMJ symptoms.

Find TMJ Treatment in Plantation, FL

Westside Dental Center offers TMJ treatment and other restorative dental solutions to patients in Plantation, FL. Dr. Dham also specializes in cosmetic, implant, and general dentistry. To schedule an appointment or consultation with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 954.251.0640.