If you experience pain in your jaw or discomfort when chewing or talking, you may be dealing with TMJ issues. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the bones of your skull. When this joint is not functioning correctly, it can cause a range of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. TMJ treatment may also involve restorative dental care to address any bite issues contributing to the problem. Center Valley Dental offers effective TMJ treatment in Center Valley, PA, to help you find relief and restore normal jaw function.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint allows your jaw to move up and down and side to side, making it essential for speaking, chewing, and even yawning. TMJ disorders occur when there is a problem with the joint, the muscles surrounding it, or the way your teeth fit together (your bite). Some common causes of TMJ disorders include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw injuries
- Arthritis
- Misalignment of the bite
- Stress, which can cause the jaw muscles to tighten
Signs of TMJ
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary, but many people experience:
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Popping or clicking sound when opening their mouth
You may clench your teeth without realizing it if you have TMD. This can happen for a few different reasons. One of the most common causes is stress or anxiety. When you’re feeling tense, your body can hold that stress in your jaw without you even knowing it, especially during sleep. Over time, clenching can cause a sore jaw, headaches, or worn-down teeth.
If TMJ issues are not treated, they can get worse over time. You might develop chronic pain, trouble chewing food, or even have a hard time opening and closing your mouth properly. That’s why it’s important to talk to Dr. Lang if you notice any of these signs.
The Benefits of TMJ Treatment in Center Valley, PA
TMJ treatment at Center Valley Dental can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Relieve Pain
One of the biggest benefits of TMJ treatment is pain relief. TMJ problems can cause pain in the jaw, face, neck, and even the shoulders. Treating the issue can help reduce or even eliminate this pain, making it easier to go about your daily activities.
Address Headaches
TMJ treatment can also help with headaches and migraines. Many people with TMJ disorders grind or clench their teeth, especially at night. This puts pressure on the jaw muscles and can lead to frequent headaches. A custom dental splint or bite adjustment can ease this pressure and help prevent these painful symptoms.
Improve Jaw Function
TMJ treatment can improve how your jaw functions. If your jaw feels stiff or gets stuck, TMJ treatment can help you open and close your mouth more easily. You’ll find it more comfortable to eat and speak once you begin to treat TMD.
Prevent Ongoing Problems
Treating TMJ early can also help you avoid more serious problems. Left untreated, TMJ can damage to your teeth or jaw joints. Treatment is a smart way to protect your long-term oral health.
Comprehensive TMJ Treatment in Center Valley, PA
At Center Valley Dental, we take a comprehensive approach to treating TMJ disorders. This means we don’t just focus on relieving symptoms. We work to find the root cause of the problem and create a personalized treatment plan to address it. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief from TMJ discomfort. Dr. Lang provides non-invasive TMJ treatment with:
Bite Equilibration
One of the most common causes of TMJ disorders is a misaligned bite, which means that your teeth aren’t coming together properly when you close your mouth. This can put extra strain on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. Bite equilibration is a treatment that focuses on correcting your bite to alleviate TMJ symptoms.
The first step in bite equilibration is to figure out exactly what’s going on with your bite. This involves a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw, along with digital scans and X-rays to see how your bite aligns.
Once we understand the issue, we can make small adjustments to your teeth so they fit together more comfortably. This can be done by gently reshaping certain teeth or adjusting the position of your bite. By doing this, we help relieve pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, which can reduce or even eliminate TMJ pain.
Splint Therapy
Another common treatment for TMJ disorders is splint therapy. A splint is a custom-made oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard, that you wear over your teeth to help improve the way your jaw functions. Different types of splints are available, depending on your specific needs, but the goal is the same: to give your jaw a chance to rest and heal while reducing tension and strain on the joint.
You can get a TMJ splint in two visits to our dental office. At your first visit, we’ll take a close look at your teeth and jaw. We may ask you questions about your symptoms. Then, we’ll take impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These help us create a custom splint that fits your mouth perfectly.
At your second visit, you’ll try on the splint. We’ll make sure it fits just right and feels comfortable. If needed, we’ll adjust it so it works properly.
During splint therapy, you’ll wear the splint either at night or throughout the day, depending on your treatment plan. The splint helps reposition your jaw to keep it in a more relaxed and balanced position. This can reduce the grinding or clenching that often contributes to TMJ disorders and protect your teeth from damage. Over time, wearing the TMJ splint can help reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and prevent further TMJ problems.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation
Contact us today to request an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier and pain-free jaw. Call Center Valley Dental today at 610-467-2442. Dr. Lang is proud to treat patients in Allentown, Coopersburg, Emmaus, and the surrounding communities.