TMJ Treatment
Effective TMJ Treatment in Dublin, OH
Living with jaw pain or stiffness can make even simple daily activities feel frustrating. If you’re experiencing discomfort around your jaw joint, it could be a sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. At Schneider Family Dental in Dublin, OH, Dr. Matt Schneider offers customized TMJ treatment options to relieve discomfort and improve your quality of life.
The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, right in front of your ears. When the muscles of the jaw or the joint itself become strained or misaligned, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Our team is here to help you find relief and get back to feeling your best.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to issues with the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding jaw muscles that control jaw movement. Problems can arise from injuries, arthritis, tooth grinding, gum chewing, or even stress.
Signs and symptoms of TMD may include:
- Pain or tenderness on the side of the jaw or near the front of your ears
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw during movement
- Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
- Difficulty chewing or a change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together
If you notice TMJ symptoms affecting your daily life, it’s essential to schedule an evaluation. Early care can often prevent chronic pain and worsening damage.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Identifying the exact cause of TMJ disorder can be challenging, as symptoms often appear without clear triggers. However, several factors are believed to contribute to its development. Overuse of jaw muscles, such as through teeth grinding, gum chewing, or chronic jaw clenching, can strain the temporomandibular joint. Additionally, jaw injuries may directly impact the joint, leading to TMD symptoms.
How We Treat TMJ Disorders
Effective TMJ treatment combines lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and strategies for managing symptoms. Our office specializes in addressing TMJ disorders through non-invasive techniques designed to restore comfort and functionality.
Nightguards
Nightguards are intraoral appliances specifically designed to minimize the discomfort of TMJ while protecting the teeth. These devices are worn at night and act as a cushion to reduce pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles of the jaw.
Occlusal Adjustments
Occlusal adjustments are essential for restoring healthy jaw movement and improving tooth alignment, which can help relieve TMJ-related symptoms. Dr. Schneider will make minor modifications to the teeth or bite to prevent undue pressure on the temporomandibular joint. By redistributing force evenly, these adjustments help minimize pain and improve jaw functionality.
Physical Therapy
Severe cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction may benefit from physical therapy or, rarely, surgical consultation.
Muscle Relaxants
In some cases, Dr. Schneider may prescribe medication to ease tension in the jaw muscles and promote healing. Every patient’s situation is different, which is why we focus on finding the right solution to fit your needs and restore your quality of life.
When to Seek Help for TMJ Symptoms
It’s normal to occasionally feel tightness in your jaw after a long day or intense chewing. However, persistent jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth fully, or pain spreading to the muscles of the jaw, head, or neck should not be ignored.
Early treatment can reduce the risk of chronic pain and long-term damage to the joint. If you’re concerned about symptoms of TMD, Dr. Schneider is here to help you explore your options and feel more comfortable again.
Find Relief from TMJ Pain Today
If you’re struggling with the discomfort of TMJ, you don’t have to live with it. Schneider Family Dental offers practical solutions to ease your symptoms and protect your long-term health. Call us at 614-889-2211 to schedule an appointment in our Dublin office!
