Do you suffer from frequent jaw or tooth pain, and wake up almost every morning with a sore jaw and headache? You may have a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause pain in your jaw and muscles
TMJ is the term dentists use when referring to TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorders, a complex group of disorders. They cause pain and limited mobility in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding tissue. Few medical professionals have the experience in diagnosing and treating TMDs.
Facial pain, tenderness and frequent headaches can often be a sign of a TMJ disorder. These bite disorders are usually the result of an imbalance in the masticatory system. They can be difficult to diagnose without the proper expertise and diagnostic tools.
Dr. Reece can identify, diagnose, and treat the root cause of your TMJ-related disorder. Using the latest software and tools, he provides our patients with relief from persistent and painful symptoms.
TMD Treatment Options in Charlotte, NC
We provide TMJ treatment in Charlotte, NC, to patients with jaw and facial pain, as well as the telltale signs of TMJ. We also provide many restorative options that can help alleviate jaw pain and symptoms of TMJ disorders. Treatment options for TMJ can include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, Invisalign, oral appliances, and oral surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
When symptoms are mild, there are at-home options that you can try to help alleviate TMJ pain and discomfort. Some of these tasks include:
- Jaw movement exercises
- Relaxing your facial muscles
- Eating soft foods to help your jaw rest
- Sleeping on your side
- Taking anti inflammatories
- Using an ice pack in a clean cloth
- Using a heat pack
However, if your pain is severe and frequent, you can call us at Dentistry of the Queen City for pain relief. Dr. Reece will give you a full diagnosis, and recommend the appropriate treatment that you need. In most cases, you can avoid oral surgery altogether.
However, we may recommend a local oral surgeon for severe cases. Dr. Greg Reece in Charlotte, NC, provides effective TMJ treatment using orthodontics and oral appliances for all ages.
Invisalign
If you have misaligned teeth and have found that you suffer from TMJ pain, Invisalign may help. Misaligned teeth contribute to an uneven bite and unbalanced jawbone connection. This exacerbates TMJ pain.
Invisalign can straighten teeth gradually using a series of clear aligners. The treatment corrects misaligned teeth to create a more balanced bite and reduce or eliminate TMJ pain. However, this option is not good for patients who clench and grind their teeth as a result of TMJ. Invisalign cannot stop bruxism.
Oral Appliances
Similar to mouthguards, oral appliances cover and protect teeth from grinding, preventing further wear and tear. You can wear oral appliances overnight or during stressful situations. These special devices will take the pressure off the jaw, and prevent teeth clenching and grinding. Many patients who use oral appliances say that the devices drastically reduce symptoms within a couple of days.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Issues
We look out for many common symptoms of TMJ when diagnosing this disruptive disorder. The most noticeable symptoms of TMJ are migraines, ear issues, popping and clicking jaw sounds, and pain in the throat and back of jaw. Specific ear issues may include chronic ringing, muffled auditory, frequent earaches, and dizziness. Other signs of TMJ include:
- Jaw pain
- Jaw tenderness
- Aching facial pain
- pain when you open and close your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Muscle spasms and joint pain
- Jaw clicking or locking
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Pain in your neck and shoulders
- Back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Earaches
- Teeth grinding
Excessive clenching and teeth grinding is a common cause of TMJ. Many people who suffer from stress do this in their sleep and are not aware of it. Other causes may be an abnormal bite, trauma to the jaw area, or arthritis. If you notice any of the above signs, call our Mallard Creek dental practice today.
TMJ Therapy FAQs
Learn more about TMJ therapy and treatment in Charlotte, NC, with answers to these popular questions:
Is TMJ treatment painful?
No, most treatments for TMJ are not invasive and painful. When treating patients with TMJ, we believe that less is best. First we find the source of the problem and make the necessary corrections. We avoid major procedures and surgery whenever possible.
Therapies for TMJ issues include lifestyle changes, dental splints, and occlusal devices. Changes to your bite to correct problems or misalignment.
How does a bad bite cause TMJ?
A bad bite, also called a misaligned bite, happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. This misalignment can put extra stress on your jaw joint and TMJ.
When your bite is off, your jaw muscles and TMJ have to work harder to help you chew, talk, and even rest your mouth. Over time, this extra strain can lead to pain, stiffness, and other TMJ problems, like clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw.
Do I need surgery to get rid of my TMJ disorder?
No, not all patients need to undergo surgery. Our dentist can address most TMJ issues with noninvasive and common dental procedures. Surgery will only be necessary if you have severe TMJ issues or jaw deformities. For your convenience, Dr. Reece will avoid recommending oral surgery whenever possible.
Will a TMJ disorder go away on its own?
It might, but there is no guarantee or way of knowing if your TMJ disorder will go away on its own. The TMJ disorder will more likely go away on its own if it’s a minor and temporary issue. If you have been living with TMJ pain for a while, it will not go away without medical intervention.
Why does my jaw make noise?
A jaw popping or clicking when opening or closing is one of the first signs of TMJ. The sound can occur whenever you reposition your jaw or irregularly. This sound comes from the ligament between two bones dislocating and hitting on or around the jaw bone. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing this, as it is not good for your oral and overall health.
How long does TMJ treatment typically take?
The length of TMJ treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes, exercises, or bite splints within a few weeks, while more complex cases could take several months. Our dentist or specialist will provide a timeline based on your individual needs.
How effective is Botox for TMJ treatment?
Botox can be highly effective for relieving TMJ symptoms like jaw pain, muscle tension, and teeth grinding. It works by relaxing the overactive jaw muscles, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Results typically last 3 to 6 months, and you may need regular follow-up treatments for sustained relief.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment varies widely depending on your specific plan and the medical necessity of the treatment. Some insurance plans cover diagnostic procedures and conservative treatments, while others may limit coverage for more extensive interventions like surgery. It’s best to check directly with your insurance provider about your TMJ treatment coverage.
Schedule a Consultation with our Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Do you have frequent jaw or facial pain? You may have a TMJ disorder. Call Dentistry of the Queen City in Mallard Creek at 704-486-8911 or request a consultation on our website. Dr. Reece will work with you to find the best solution to your TMJ disorder symptoms.