TMJ Treatment Torrington
You Do Not Have to Live with Jaw Pain!
Jaw pain and related symptoms can cause discomfort from day to day and affect your quality of life. The good news is that you do not have to live with such issues! Our Torrington dental practice is proud to offer multiple treatment options for TMJ Disorder. After we evaluate the health of your teeth and jaws, we can advise you on how you can find long-lasting relief from your symptoms. Continue reading below to learn more, or get in touch with us to request a consultation.
Why Choose Torrington Dental Care for TMJ Treatment?
- Conservative & Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
- Caring & Highly Skilled Dental Team
- Multiple Payment Options Accepted
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The “TMJ” part of TMJ disorder stands for temporomandibular joint, which consists of the hinges that control movements of the lower jaw. TMJ disorder (also known as TMJ dysfunction or simply TMD) is the condition that occurs when the TMJ suffers damage or inflammation. This can affect the surrounding tissues, including the facial muscles, neck, and more. Various factors can contribute to the development of TMD, including stress, teeth grinding, past oral injuries, dental misalignment, and more.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing or biting, especially when consuming tough foods
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Locking of the jaw joint or limited jaw mobility
- Facial pain or aching
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Headaches or migraines
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Pain in the back, neck, or shoulders
Types of Treatment
There is no “one size fits all” solution to TMD. In order to determine how to help you find relief, we should perform a comprehensive evaluation. We will ask about your symptoms, examine your teeth, and take some X-rays to look for any abnormalities in your jaw joint or the surrounding areas that might be contributing to your symptoms. After our examination, we may recommend one of the following treatment options:
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a special type of orthotic device that resembles a mouthguard. It can gently reposition the jaw and help the surrounding muscles to relax. It can also serve as a barrier that prevents teeth grinding, thereby helping to reduce pain and lowering your risk of dental damage.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
Sometimes, small abnormalities in occlusion (bite) contribute to TMJ disorder. If that is true in your case, we may make minor adjustments to your teeth and/or existing restorations. Doing so may allow your upper and lower teeth to work in better harmony, leading to a long-lasting reduction of your symptoms.