TMJ Therapy
Shapiro Family Dental
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Wethersfield, CT
If a painful or clicking jaw, caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, negatively affects your ability to chew, speak, or enjoy life to its fullest, simple treatment options are available at Shapiro Family Dental in Wethersfield, Connecticut. The experienced dental team offers physical therapy, oral splints, mouth guards, injections, and surgical procedures, when necessary, to relieve TMJ pain and restore your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Shapiro Family Dental over the phone or request one online to find out if TMJ therapy is right for you.
TMJ Therapy Q & A
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a group of disorders that affect your jaw joint. TMJ often leads to pain in the joints or muscles that surround your jaw. The exact cause of TMJ isn’t entirely clear. It may result from arthritis, a jaw injury, genetics, or clenching and grinding your teeth.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
The following signs and symptoms are often associated with temporomandibular joint disorders:
- Tenderness or pain in your jaw
- Aching pain in or around your ear
- Facial pain
- Locking in your jaw joint
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Pain with chewing
- Difficulty chewing
If you have TMJ, you may also experience clicking or popping sounds when you chew or open your mouth. You might not need treatment if your symptoms are mild, and you don’t experience pain.
Sometimes TMJ pain resolves on its own, but if it doesn’t, or you experience severe pain, see your Shapiro Family Dental provider for an evaluation.
Is TMJ therapy right for me?
To diagnose TMJ and find out if you’re a good candidate for TMJ therapy, your dentist reviews your symptoms and examines your jaw. They ask you to complete a series of jaw movements to evaluate its range of motion. Your provider may also use dental X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to make a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
What should I expect during TMJ therapy?
Your provider reviews TMJ treatment options with you and may recommend one or more of the following:
Non-drug therapies
To reduce jaw pain and other TMJ symptoms and prevent them from returning, your doctor might recommend massage, using a mouth guard or oral splint, behavioral changes to avoid clenching and grinding, or physical therapy. They can show you stretches, strengthening exercises, or relaxation techniques to help you achieve long-lasting symptom relief. Injections can also alleviate pain.
Surgical options
If nonsurgical options fail, minimally invasive procedures can remove debris and repair, restructure, or replace parts of your jaw.
Don’t live with chronic pain associated with TMJ when simple treatments can offer you relief. Schedule an appointment with Shapiro Family Dental over the phone or online today.