Relief From TMJ Issues
Do frequently wake to sore teeth or a stiff jaw? If so, you could be living with injuries to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMD) can be a difficult condition to live with, and experts are sometimes unsure as to the precise causes. However, regular jaw pain is a common indicator of TMD and evidence that therapy can provide benefits.
At Maniscalco Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Birmingham, AL, we offer TMJ Treatment in order to alleviate pain and ongoing damage caused by this condition.
What Is the TMJ?
The TMJ is the joint that joins your lower jaw to your head. The joint is vulnerable to excessive strain, a malfunction caused by from constant flexing or grinding of the teeth can become an incredibly painful issue. Many patients turn to us as their dentist in Birmingham because of the sudden development of dental sensitivity, the pain in their jaw, or even difficulty they experience just moving their jaw to eat or speak.
In addition to the classic dental symptoms of TMJ or TMD, you may experience ringing in your ears, find it hard to chew or yawn, and even feel unusual facial pain. Any of these things can be directly related to the problems within the jaw.
TMD Treatment
Fortunately, TMJ Treatment can often be very simple. We have discovered that the most common forms of successful TMJ Treatment include:
- Special, custom made night guards that prevent you from clenching and grinding the teeth together
- Botox injections that thoroughly relax the muscles in the area (yes, this is the same Botox used for cosmetic treatments!)
- Physical therapy can help to retrain the muscles and undo the stress and tension caused by prolonged periods of clenching and grinding
In more extreme instances, surgery may be the appropriate remedy, but it must begin with an examination by Dr. Maniscalco to diagnose whether you have TMD and need traditional or more advanced TMJ Treatment.
The long-term consequences of TMD can include more than jaw pain, and patients who grind their teeth over the course of many years often experience wear and even breakages because of the extreme pressure. Worn teeth are more prone to decay, and it’s always preferable to start treatment early and avoid further discomfort or damage.
Clear Solutions for Your TMD Symptoms
At Great Smiles Birmingham, Dr. Maniscalco has the training and experiences to diagnose issues with your TMJ and recommend effective treatment solutions. You don’t have to live with painful TMD symptoms, whether they’re a constant presence or a problem that comes and goes.
Make an appointment with Dr. Maniscalco to find relief and protect yourself from more serious complications in the future. Contact us at (205) 967-9100 or follow the scheduling link below.