How Do You Fix TMD And TMJ?

Before we look at how you can treat TMD and TMJ, let’s look at the full naming convention of the conditions. TMD is an acronym for a group of conditions known as temporomandibular disorders that affect the comfort and functionality of a patient’s jaw. TMJ is an abbreviation for one of many parts of the complex system of bones, ligaments, and muscles that contribute to temporomandibular disorders.

Although the acronyms may seem confusing, they are interchangeable when describing jaw pain disorder to a dentist. Suppose you are experiencing any discomfort or restricted movement in your jaw. In that case, we invite you to visit our doctors team at Concord Woods Dental Group for diagnosis and treatment for each of the following:

• Myofascial pain
• Internal derangement of the joint
• Degenerative joint disease

Unfortunately, you cannot always identify the cause of the disorder. Some patients may experience it due to stress or excessive chewing, while others have arthritis or a previous injury. However, a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research concluded that the following factors could also contribute to the development of the disorder:

• Sensory
• Genetic
• Clinical
• Psychological
• Nervous system

If you’ve heard of TMJ surgery and are concerned that it’s the only treatment option, you’ll be happy to discover that there are alternatives. TMJ appliances and other treatment modalities offered by our dentists in Concord, MA, often eliminate the need for surgery. Let’s now look at the most common symptoms of the disorder.

Most Common Symptoms of TMJ

Some patients may only experience one of the following symptoms, while others will experience several.

• Discomfort or soreness in the jaw
• Clicking sound in the jaw when using the joint
• Headaches or dizziness
• Pain that spreads into the shoulder, neck, back, and other areas of the body
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears
• Restricted movement or locking of the jaw
• Tooth sensitivity
• Tingling sensation in the fingers
• Change in the way teeth fit together

The critical takeaway is that early treatment for TMJ is always preferred. Some symptoms could signify other oral health concerns, such as a dental infection. When dental infections are left untreated, they can spread to other parts of your body, resulting in more severe health concerns. Rather than taking risks, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a more detailed understanding of your symptoms.

TMJ Treatment in Concord, MA

Our dentists will consider several factors before recommending therapy when you visit us for treatment. These include your age, general health, medical history, and more.

A few of the non-surgical treatment options recommended include jaw exercise and orthodontics. Likewise, painkillers, muscle relaxers, steroid injections, or anti-depressants have proven effective. Surgery should always be considered a last resort since surgery has many complications.

One of the most popular treatments is oral appliance therapy, followed closely by Invisalign®️ clear aligner treatment. Our dentists may recommend TMJ appliances or Invisalign to manage your condition, especially if jaw or bite alignment is a contributor. Both treatment modalities relieve discomfort, stiffness, and pain, but Invisalign can also make long-lasting corrections to your bite alignment. Both treatments are effective and non-invasive treatment protocols to manage temporomandibular joint disorders.

Want Relief but Don’t Have Insurance?

We believe that no one should experience dental pain or discomfort just because they don’t have Insurance. We offer customized payment options and CareCredit® that can work with your treatment plan and budget considerations.

We also offer Membership Plans that many patients have found to be more advantageous than dental Insurance. These plans include services such as professional dental cleaning and exams, routine x-rays, and an emergency dental care. If it’s been a while since you visited a dentist near you, one of our Membership Plans might be just right for you!