TMJ Treatment in Indian Trail, NC

TMJ Dentist in Indian Trail, NC

Of course, the health and beauty of your smile are important, but they aren’t the only things that matter. Your smile should be comfortable and functional as well. If you experience jaw pain every time you open your mouth to eat or speak, you may have a condition known as TMD. Along with being uncomfortable and annoying, TMJ discomfort can make performing normal daily activities, such as chewing and talking, difficult. The good news is that TMJ pain can be treated and prevented. Before scheduling your consultation with the friendly team at Indian Trail Dental Studio, here’s what you should know about TMJ treatment.

What is TMJ?

The term “TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint in your jaw. This joint is located where the mandible (lower jaw) meets the skull’s temporal bone. It lets your jaw move smoothly in all directions. Because this joint is used so frequently, injuring it is pretty common.

Symptoms of TMJ include:

Jaw pain
Facial pain
Clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
Teeth that chip regularly
Migraines or tension headaches
Pain when chewing

If you experience these signs, it’s best to seek professional TMJ treatment sooner than later. Even if your TMJ symptoms are sporadic or mild, they could get worse over time if left untreated.

What Causes TMJ/TMD?

It’s unclear what causes some individuals to develop TMJ pain. While this is true, lifestyle factors could increase your chances of developing TMJ. These include:

Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
Tightening of jaw muscles, which places stress on TM joint
Jaw injury
Arthritis

To help reduce your chances of experiencing TMJ pain, taking specific steps may help, such as:

Avoiding foods that require an excessive amount of biting or chewing
Chew with both sides of your mouth rather than one
If you are prone to teeth grinding or clenching, wear an occlusal guard
Don’t rest your hand on your chin for long periods, which puts pressure on your jaw

TMJ Treatment at Indian Trail Dental Studio

Many people who suffer from TMJ discomfort can relieve their symptoms by making changes at home, such as eating soft foods, resting your jaw as much as possible, taking an anti-inflammatory medication, ad/or using cold and warm compresses. If treating your TMJ symptoms can’t be managed with at-home treatment, or they grow worse over time, it’s best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel at Indian Trail Dental Studio. Dr. Patel has extensive experience treating, managing, and preventing TMJ pain. She and her experienced team can help you find relief by correcting the alignment of your teeth or creating a custom mouth guard for you to wear at night.

TMJ Treatment Cost

TMJ treatments vary per insurance as well as the dental treatment plan. Contact our office to learn more about what your dental insurance plan covers.