TMJ Treatment – Atlanta, GA
Say Goodbye to Chronic Jaw Pain
Your temporomandibular joints (also known as TMJs) are located near the ear. Although they may be small, they have the crucial function of facilitating your jaw’s movement. This big responsibility means that even slight misalignments can throw the entire system off-balance, resulting in severe pain and reduced oral function.
Dr. Jane Puskas and the rest of the team are passionate about delivering quality, comprehensive care designed with your unique needs in mind. We offer various therapy options to relieve your TMJ symptoms and restore oral health. If you’d like to learn more about our treatment solutions, continue reading or give us a call today!
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joints, along with the surrounding muscles and connective tissues that facilitate essential mouth movements like chewing, speaking, laughing, and sneezing. These joints connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the upper jaw (maxilla). When the joints are overworked, whether from bite misalignment, past oral trauma, or teeth grinding (bruxism), it can result in chronic pain and discomfort due to increased tension and strain.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
When determining whether a patient is suffering from TMJ disorder, our team will conduct a visual examination and ask if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Constant pain and/or tenderness that’s located in the jaw, the neck, the face, the shoulders, and around the ears
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide enough
- Constant clicking and popping in the jaw joints
- Difficulty biting and chewing successfully
- Facial swelling
Types of TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. During your appointment, we’ll take X-rays, evaluate your oral health, discuss your symptoms, and use this information to determine the best course of action. The ideal treatment for you will depend on the underlying cause, whether it’s muscle tension or a more significant dental issue. Here are some examples of therapies commonly used to alleviate TMJ pain:
Occlusal Splint
Dr. Puskas may recommend occlusal splint therapy as an effective method for treating TMJ disorder. There are several types of these oral appliances, all designed to promote more oral comfort and harmony so that pain is relieved. Your splint will allow your jaw to close properly or to prevent muscle spasms that can occur when the jaw muscles become fatigued. They can also help direct the jaw joints to a more proper position that accelerates the healing process. Our team will work with you to determine the ideal solution for your unique situation.
Occlusal Adjustment
When your bite shows signs of instability, your oral health and overall wellbeing can suffer. With occlusal adjustment (also known as occlusal equilibration), our team can provide much-needed relief for patients in need of correction. We’ll alter certain teeth that are interfering, creating a much more stable system for your jaw joints and bite that feels great.