TMJ (TMD) Treatments

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint located near your ear, connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. This joint is responsible for enabling smooth jaw movements such as opening and closing the mouth, chewing, and speaking. When this joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to TMJ disorders, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty with daily activities.

At AADHYA’s DENTAL, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to help patients regain comfort and function in their jaw and facial areas. If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty in moving your jaw, our skilled team is here to provide effective, tailored treatments to help alleviate these symptoms.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the surrounding muscles. They can be caused by various factors, including:

• Injury or trauma to the jaw
• Arthritis or joint inflammation
• Teeth grinding (bruxism), often due to stress
• Misalignment of the teeth or jaw (malocclusion)
• Muscle tension or spasms around the jaw

Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty or pain when chewing or speaking
• Locking of the jaw, making it hard to open or close the mouth
• Headaches, earaches, or dizziness

Treatment for TMJ Disorders at AADHYA’s DENTAL

We offer a range of treatment options for TMJ disorders to reduce pain, restore jaw function, and improve your quality of life. Our approach is personalized to meet your specific needs and includes both conservative therapies and advanced treatments:

• Conservative Treatments

  For many patients, simple treatments can alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorders. These include:

  • Hot/Cold Therapy: Applying warm compresses or ice packs to the jaw area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation or ease muscle tension.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: We may recommend stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises or avoiding excessive jaw movements (like chewing gum or clenching teeth).
  • Dietary Changes: Soft food diets can help reduce strain on the jaw while healing.

• Mouth Guards/Night Guards

  If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), which can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, wearing a mouth guard or night guard can help protect your teeth and reduce pressure on the TMJ. These custom-made devices are worn at night and help prevent grinding, providing relief to the jaw and surrounding muscles.

• Physical Therapy

  Our team may recommend physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles, improve jaw movement, and relieve discomfort. A trained therapist can teach you exercises that target the muscles around the jaw to increase mobility and reduce stiffness.

• Occlusal Adjustments (Bite Correction)

  If misalignment of your teeth or jaw is contributing to TMJ disorders, we may recommend an occlusal adjustment to ensure that your teeth align properly when you close your mouth. This can reduce stress on the TMJ and provide relief from symptoms.

• Laser Therapy

  Laser treatments can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the TMJ and surrounding tissues. This non-invasive procedure can stimulate circulation, relax muscles, and alleviate pain, improving overall jaw function.

• Botox® Injections

  For patients experiencing significant jaw muscle tension and discomfort, Botox® injections can be an effective treatment. Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the jaw area, reducing pain and preventing further muscle spasms.

• Surgical Options (If Needed)

  In rare cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. We provide a thorough evaluation to determine if surgical options, such as arthroscopy or joint replacement, are appropriate for your condition.