Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD)
TMJ dysfunction refers to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and helps with movement such as chewing and speaking. Dysfunction can be caused by teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis and everyday wear and tear.
TMJ dysfunction requires treatment to help improve life quality and prevent complications.
If not treated, it can lead to:
✓ Headaches
✓ Jaw pain
✓ Ear pain
✓ Neck pain
✓ A locked or stiff jaw
✓ Clicking sound in the jaw
Bruxism
While some enamel wear is expected as we age—a result of chewing—excessive erosion of tooth enamel and fractures are not.
If your teeth are breaking, chipping, or you have a sudden onset of cavities, you may be suffering from bruxism. Bruxism can also contribute to TMJ Dysfunction.
Additional Symptoms Include:
✓ Jaw pain
✓ Headaches
✓ Neck pain
Many people with bruxism wake in the morning with sore jaws, and in severe cases, the muscles on either side of the face can enlarge and create additional complications.
Fortunately, your dentist in Winter Park provides bruxism treatment to help you live your best life without pain or the threat of teeth breakage.
Treatments for TMJ Dysfunction and Bruxism
Occlusal Orthotic Device
(Nightguard)
A night guard, also known as a bite splint or occlusal guard, is an occlusal appliance worn while sleeping to prevent damage to the teeth from clenching and grinding. The mouthguard is made from soft material, like plastic, acrylic, or laminate resin, that is custom-fitted to the contours of the bite.
GET IMMEDIATE RELIEF
Many of our patients notice immediate relief from their symptoms and report that they no longer wake up with headaches or sore jaws in the morning. Over time, the night guard will need to be replaced if it is no longer effective. Our dentists recommend having your guard checked every three to six months to ensure a proper fit.
HOW DO OCCLUSAL ORTHOTIC DEVICES WORK?
An occlusal orthotic is a small device that fits on the top or bottom arch of your teeth to create a better bite alignment and reduce jaw strain. A bite splint is used to align the lower and upper arches of your teeth.
PBM
(Photobiomodulation Laser Treatment)
At Anderson Family Dental, we are proud to offer a cutting-edge solution for patients suffering from bruxism. Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM), utilises the power of low-level laser therapy to provide non-invasive pain relief and promote healing at the cellular level.
BENEFITS OF PBM THERAPY
Non invasive Pain Therapy - PBM Therapy provides effective pain relief without the need for invasive procedures or medication. By targeting the underlying cause of your pain at the cellular level, PBM Therapy helps alleviate acute and chronic pain associated with TMD and bruxism.
IMPROVED FUNCTION AND HEALING
In addition to pain relief, the therapy improves overall function and promotes healing in the affected area. Whether you’re suffering from jaw pain, muscle tension, or limited jaw mobility, PBM Therapy can help restore normal function and enhance your overall well-being.
Therapeutic Botox Injections
You may be familiar with using Botox for cosmetic procedures, but have you heard of therapeutic Botox for facial pain, headaches, and even TMJ dysfunction?
ELIMINATE HEADACHES
Botox for TMJ dysfunction (TMD) may relieve common symptoms, such as teeth clenching and headaches. When injected into specific facial muscles affected with soreness and discomfort, Botox relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding, and in cases of severe stress, Botox can even minimize lockjaw.
If you are suffering from TMD symptoms, Botox is a great therapy choice to relax your tense jaw muscles and alleviate pain. It’s typically recommended as a complementary treatment to other TMJ dysfunction therapy, but Botox may be all you need for certain symptoms!
Occlusal Adjustments (Bite Adjustments)
If you have a habit of teeth grinding, or bruxism, you may be a candidate for an occlusal adjustment. One of the most common TMJ signs is teeth that are worn down or chipped because of a teeth grinding habit. Realigning the bite can help to stop the damage from teeth grinding and provide some relief from TMD symptoms.
SIMPLE CORRECTIONS BRING BIG RELIEF
Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson may recommend a bite alignment as part of your treatment plan. A misaligned bite is one of the common causes of TMJ dysfunction problems and can be corrected with an occlusal adjustment. This is a painless and relatively simple procedure that involves reshaping the teeth to improve the bite.
PROCEDURE
The dentist will have you bite down on a thin piece of paper, this special mylar paper will create color, showing the areas where teeth are in contact. The dentist will then gently smooth down areas of interference until the jaw is able to close correctly.
Stop Suffering with Jaw Pain & Limited Movement
An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ, but it is still a fairly unknown disorder. This leaves many suffering with pain and not knowing what to do about it. Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson provide several treatment options in their Winter Park, FL practice to help those suffering.