Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

TMJ Treatment

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is your jaw joint. You have two of these joints, both left and right. TMJ syndrome or TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is a medical issue related to the function of these jaw joints. The common symptoms are often a clicking, popping, or rustling in your jaw joint, which might be accompanied by jaw joint or muscle pain, frequent headaches, a jaw that locks in position or is difficult to open, some ringing in your ears, and even some numbness in your face and fingertips.

Beginning with your first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment for an evaluation for TMJ Treatment.

What Causes TMJ?

Your TMJ disorder can be the result of several factors, including the following:

  • Bruxism, which is the grinding of your teeth.
  • A dislocated joint.
  • A malocclusion or bad bite alignment.
  • A jaw injury.
  • A neck injury.
  • A filling or a crown that was incorrectly placed.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. can diagnose TMJ from arthritis or following facial trauma, but it is usually the result of genetic predisposition or excessive levels of stress, which is why the TMJ disorder is common in some high-stress professions.

The Causes of TMJ and the Link to Stress

TMJ problems can be caused by a blow to your face or arthritis in your jaw joint. But quite often, TMJ pain is related to your genetic predisposition or stress level. TMJ tends to occur in high-stress professions and is likely to materialize if you are experiencing an elevated level of stress. This stress leads to teeth grinding and clenching and associated head, neck, and shoulder pain.

TMJ Problems More Prevalent in Women

TMJ pain is four times more common in women than in men. Women report more TMJ symptoms and quite often have the associated headache and jaw clenching problems. Men report less pain or discomfort, but teeth grinding is more likely to be present.

The Diagnosis of TMJ at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

TMJ problems are diagnosed through detailed examinations. Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will look for evidence of TMJ with your teeth, gums, mouth, and tongue, then palpate the muscles of your head, neck, and shoulders to determine the extent of tenderness, measure the actual range of motion in your lower jaw, take a scan of your jaw joints using a joint vibration analysis, and perform diagnostic imaging, MRI, or cone-beam X-rays.

The Types of TMJ Disorders to Diagnose

There are three broad categories of TMJ disorders:

Myogenous
Jaw Joint Generated Pain
Degenerative Joint Disease

Most TMJ disorders can be treated by our team as Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.; however, degenerative joint disease or internal derangements may require your physician to become involved.

The TMJ Treatment Options

There are a few TMJ treatment options available. To determine which solution is best for you, an extensive evaluation is necessary to identify the primary cause of your TMJ. If the root cause is the improper placement of crowns or fillings, we can easily begin treatment by removing and replacing the crown or filling to see if symptoms subside. If your issue is the result of stress, we will suggest that you consider some lifestyle changes, like practicing yoga, meditating, and other self-care practices.

In some rare situations, surgical intervention replacing the jaw joint disc may be necessary, or a series of procedures using multiple crowns could be performed to rebuild your bite, but most often TMJ can be treated through easier methods.

Custom Fit Nightguard

A custom-fit nightguard is a frequent, common, and successful treatment option. To maximize your results and increase your chances of successful treatment, it is crucial you have a nightguard that is customized to fit your mouth. A primary reason for a custom-fit nightguard from Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., versus a one-size-fits-all version is that everyone has a unique dental structure, and TMJ will present itself differently. You may be primarily clenching, where another patient is grinding, and a third might be clenching and grinding. Although it will be a bit costlier, and a little more time is needed to have a custom guard designed, it is best to seek treatment that is specific to meet your unique needs.

BOTOX Treatment

Another effective treatment for TMJ pain is BOTOX. Dental BOTOX involves your team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., injecting BOTOX into your tightened facial muscles, which relaxes these muscles to alleviate discomfort. BOTOX treatment also helps address nighttime clenching. If you wish to pursue dental BOTOX treatment for your TMJ, we need to schedule treatments every several months, or you could just require one treatment to correct your TMJ syndrome.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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