TMJ Treatment – Carlisle, PA
Getting Rid of Jaw Discomfort
Have you been experiencing moderate to severe jaw pain that persists for too
long? This could be due to TMJ disorder,
which can create discomfort and be challenging to deal with daily. The good news is that our team at Flenniken
Family Dentistry can provide several different services to promote healing in your TMJ, that way you can return to
enjoying a more comfortable bite. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help improve your jaw health or give us a call to schedule your appointment today!
Why Choose Flenniken Family Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?
- Multiple Treatment Options Available
- Personalized Oral Appliances
- Financing Available Through CareCredit
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a condition where the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, that connects the lower jaw to the skull is affected and causes pain. This structure is similar to the ball-and-socket joint in your shoulder, and if something goes awry within the area, it can result in TMJ disorder (TMD). This problem can occur due to various factors, including teeth grinding, accidental injury, stress, and more.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Some of the most common indications of TMJ disorder include:
- Moderate to severe pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
- Jaw locking in a closed or open position
- Popping or clicking in the jaw
- Restricted or limited jaw movement
- Discomfort or pain when chewing
- Headaches and migraines
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Visible changes in your bite
- Chronic neck and back aches
Types of TMJ Treatment
Once you come into our office for a consultation, we can evaluate your oral health and mouth as well as discuss your symptoms. We’ll also be sure to take X-rays so that we can get even more clarity about the state of your TMJ, this way we can more accurately develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Below are some of the solutions we can offer to help you regain a pain-free jaw:
Occlusal Splint
Many patients struggling with TMJ disorder can benefit greatly by wearing customized mouthguards known as occlusal splints, which are specifically designed to remove pressure away from the jaw joint. By doing so, your TMJ will have ample time and space to heal. This oral appliance can also prevent wear and tear from teeth grinding as well as protect against TMD-related headaches so that you can be more comfortable again.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
Sometimes TMJ disorder may occur because the lower and upper teeth begin to contact each other improperly, creating an uncomfortable shift around your jaw joint. Depending on your situation, we may be able to help correct this through an occlusal adjustment, also known as an equilibration. This procedure involves making minor alterations to your pearly whites or restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.) so that your bite can relieve stress in your TMJ.
Treatment with a TENS Machine
Our team can utilize a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine to alleviate TMJ discomfort while treating the root cause. This device involves using electrodes placed on your skin that send high-frequency electrical impulses to your brain to help interrupt pain signals. Not only is this treatment safe and non-invasive, but you can expect to feel immediate relief in your TMJ.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
Some patients in Carlisle may find that the discomfort associated with TMJ disorder can subside over time without treatment. However, it’s best to seek help from Flenniken Family Dentistry if you experience persistent symptoms that interfere with your everyday life. While TENS machine treatments are designed to provide only temporary relief, occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments or equilibration can permanently address the underlying causes of TMJ disorder such as jaw tension and misalignment, which can bring a patient lasting relief.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
Your TMJ treatment should be perfectly safe as long as it is performed by a qualified dental professional. It’s usually best to address TMJ disorder with the most conservative and least invasive methods possible, so we may suggest several treatments before recommending surgery. Treatments like occlusal splints, equilibration, occlusal adjustments, and TENS machine therapy are proven to be overwhelmingly safe ways to address TMJ disorder.
Is TENS Treatment for TMJ Safe?
TENS is an acronym for “Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” and it can address TMJ disorder by administering low-voltage electric currents to you help the muscles in your jaw and neck joints relax. This can reduce the stress your TMJ experiences while also encouraging your brain to release endorphins. This treatment does not involve needles or drugs, making it completely noninvasive. However, let us know if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, have epilepsy, use a pacemaker, or have any type of heart condition, as these factors can affect your candidacy for TENS treatment.
You can purchase TENS machines to use at home, and the risks associated with using these devices are extremely low. However, it’s best to receive TENS treatment from a trained professional to achieve maximum results.
How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Splint to Work?
Occlusal splints are designed to be worn to bed every night to treat TMJ disorder, and you may notice that your symptoms begin to disappear soon after you begin wearing yours. However, they will not disappear all at once since it takes time for your jaw to adjust to working in a healthier alignment. Most patients will experience remarkable improvement after about six weeks, but it can take longer than that to achieve full relief. Treating a TMJ disorder with an occlusal splint can take between three and six months, but the treatments of some patients will be much shorter or longer than that depending on the severity of their symptoms.
