TMJ Therapy – Pepper Pike, OH
Renewing Jaw Function for Happy Smiles
The temporomandibular joints (also known as TMJs) are located on either side of the face, right in front of the ears. They connect your jawbone to your skull and facilitate crucial movement like chewing and speaking. Unfortunately, this complex system can fall victim to strain and dysfunction for a variety of reasons over time, and TMJ disorder (also called TMD) is the result. Thankfully, Dental & Cosmetic Solutions offers several effective therapy options for the TMJs that can help relieve pain and provide long-lasting improvement. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Csok for TMJ therapy in Pepper Pike, OH.
Diagnosis & Treatment
As said above, there are several potential causes for the development of TMJ disorder, which include facial injuries, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), a misaligned bite, and constant stress. Symptoms that patients should be aware of include the following:
- Severe, constant pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
- Consistent discomfort that feels like an earache
- Difficulty with opening the mouth fully and/or chewing food
- Constant clicking and popping sounds from the jaw
Once we’ve correctly identified the severity of your case, our dentist can start working on an effective treatment plan. They may recommend the following options:
Occlusal Adjustments
If a misaligned bite is the source of your TMJ disorder, occlusal adjustment might be the right treatment choice. Our dentist will work on adjusting certain tooth surfaces with restorative and cosmetic procedures in order to relieve pressure in certain areas and introduce a much better sense of balance to your overall smile. This should result in less oral strain and pain.
Occlusal Splints
Occlusal splints can make a big difference in relieving TMJ-related pain and even creating permanent improvements for patients in need. These custom-made appliances are designed to help reset the jaw’s resting position so that it doesn’t default to the problematic arrangement. Additionally, a device like this can provide the teeth with protection against bruxism (teeth grinding), which is also likely to aggravate TMJ disorder.