TMJ Treatment in Lodi, NJ
Dental Associates of Lodi provides TMJ treatment services in Lodi, NJ. Call 862-247-8030 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a complicated disease. If left untreated, it often progresses. Eventually, TMD can cause permanent damage to the jaw and its supporting structures. In its early stages, though, TMD can often be halted or even reversed.
Causes of TMD
Think of the temporomandibular joint as a sort of sliding hinge between your skull and your jawbone. It is heavily cushioned by cartilage and discs, and operation is normally smooth and easy. When it is out of alignment, though, TMD or temporomandibular disorder can result.
There are many different causes of TMD, including anxiety and stress, jaw trauma, hormonal fluctuations and misaligned teeth. In many people, misaligned teeth is often the root cause of TMJ disorder.. Regardless of the cause, though, the misalignment of the joint causes pressure, pain, and popping as the top and bottom jaws attempt to work together.
TMD Symptoms
No two people experience TMD in exactly the same way. This can make it difficult to diagnose the disorder solely based on symptoms. However, there are several hallmarks that warrant a thorough evaluation for TMJ:
Shifting of teeth
Pain on chewing
Difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth due to jaw lockup
Earaches
Generalized facial pain
Headaches
Jaw pain
Popping, clicking, or grating sounds from the jaw
Treating TMD
Since everyone’s experience with TMD is slightly different, successful treatment must be personalized to the individual patient. The goal is to relax the jaw and gently realign the bite. Common treatments include, but are not limited to:
Orthodontic to align or straightening teeth
Medication
Bite splint
Physical therapy
Functional reconstruction
Other specialized treatments
After thoroughly examining you, we will work hard to craft a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We work with many specialists in our area to address all of the relevant issues. You may need to have several visits with us and our colleagues, depending on the complexity of your case.
Home Remedies
If you have a very mild case of TMJ, you may find relief from home remedies. For most patients, though, we will recommend home care alongside in-office procedures. Home remedies for TMJ include, but are not limited to:
Soft diet at first, with harder to chew foods gradually reintroduced
No chewing gum or ice
Ice packs
Over the counter medications
Intentional jaw relaxation exercises
TMJ is a very personal condition, and a treatment that is successful for one patient may be entirely wrong for the next. As TMJ tends to worsen over time and can eventually cause permanent damage, it is important to seek proper care as soon as possible. When caught early, TMJ need not affect your life.
If you have any questions about your TMJ disorder, please feel free to call us to set up a free consultation with Dr Liao and Dr Lee. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Call 862-247-8030 to schedule your appointment.
