Benefits of TMJ Treatment

If you have stiffness or pain in your jaw, then it is possible that you have TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD. In rare instances, TMJ may get better on its own, but usually treatment is needed. In fact, if TMJ is left untreated, the symptoms will likely get worse. Let’s talk about TMJ disorder and the benefits of TMJ treatment.

What is TMJ?

TMJ actually refers to your temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that allow your jaw to move, and of course they get quite a workout. Too much stress on the joint can lead to inflammation, and that is when treatment is needed.

What Treatments are Available?

Treatments can include medication, oral splints, night guards, behavioral modification therapy, and in advanced cases, surgery. The benefits of TMJ treatment are simply that they ease the pain you are experiencing.

The Benefits

Of course the most important of the benefits of TMJ treatment is that your pain can be eased. It also reduces the possibility of dental damage, since much of the time, the disorder is caused by grinding your teeth. Paradoxically, when you experience the pain that is caused by grinding, you are more likely to grind even more in a futile attempt to ease the discomfort. When you have treatment (usually in the form of a night guard) to stop the grinding, your pain will go away.

Additional benefits of TMJ treatment include improved self-confidence and a better appearance. If you grind your teeth, you are going to wear them down, and this can adversely affect your appearance, and by extension, your self-confidence.

TMJ can also make it hard for you to eat. You may end up choosing foods that require little chewing, and that means that you might not be getting all the nutrients you need to be healthy. So, the benefits of TMJ treatment also include the ability to eat the foods you love, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

You may also find, if your case of TMD is serious, that you have pain in your ears, or constant ringing. This can make it hard for you to hear, and could cause you to lose sleep. The benefits of TMJ treatment include a reduction of ear pain, and a better night’s sleep.

Contact Us

To learn more about the benefits of TMJ treatment, or to book an assessment, contact us at Maniscalco Cosmetic & General Dentistry. We are conveniently located at 3419 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243, and you can call 205-967-9100 for an appointment. You can also request one using the form on our Contact Us page.