TMJ

TMJ

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a serious condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, which is where the jaw meets the skull. As you can imagine, this joint sees a lot of activity; it moves when an individual does basically anything with their mouth, including chewing, speaking, singing or even biting their lip. For those with TMJ, the condition can be excruciating and even debilitating. It can hinder all areas of daily life and make life very difficult. Elevate Smiles Dental offers TMJ services in Tampa, FL for new and existing patients.

Causes of TMJ

TMJ can be caused by a variety of things, such as arthritis, excess tension or stress, genetics, injury, accident, teeth grinding and even poor chewing habits. The good news is that, no matter what the underlying cause, there is treatment available for TMJ.

TMJ Treatment

At Elevate Smiles Dental, we offer comprehensive treatment options for individuals suffering from TMJ. These services offer temporary or permanent relief, depending upon the circumstances. We tailor our approach to the individual’s unique needs, so that the best possible outcome is achievable. Here are some of the TMJ treatment options that we offer at our dental clinic in Tampa, Florida.

Diagnosis

When you contact us about jaw or mouth pain, the first thing we do is diagnose the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential so that we all know what we’re dealing with. If it’s determined that TMJ does exist, then a treatment plan will be developed by our team. Our diagnosis procedure includes taking digital images, doing a bite analysis, asking questions of the patient and doing a visual exam, as well as others, with the goal of finding out the underlying issue and possible cause.

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatments are the first step in tackling the problem of TMJ. These treatments will include things like:

Physical therapy, where special exercises are demonstrated to the patient that they can perform in the dental clinic and at home. These exercises may work to strengthen the jaw muscles, improve joint mobility and reduce discomfort.

Medication, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, and/or Botox injections to relax the muscles surrounding the joint.

Orthotic devices, which are custom-made mouth guards and splints to assist in correctly realigning the jaw and/or preventing bruxism (teeth grinding). These devices work to reduce tension and pressure on the temporomandibular joint.

More Invasive Treatment

If non-surgical treatment fails or is insufficient to address the problem of TMJ, then minimally invasive treatments may be needed. One of the procedures that we find helpful is to flush the joint with a sterile solution to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts. It can help reduce pain and improve jaw function. Called arthrocentesis, this treatment is highly effective and may give immediate pain relief.

Surgical Treatment

In severe cases, or where other treatments haven’t given the necessary results, surgical intervention may be needed. Needless to say, you’re in good hands with Elevate Smiles Dental. We support our TMJ patients in all the necessary ways. Surgical treatment options include:

Arthroscopy

This is a minimally invasive surgery that allows the surgeon to visualize and treat the joint using a small camera and instruments. In fact, it doesn’t even leave a visible scar in some cases, and can be done using just local anesthesia.

Open Joint Surgery

This is usually only needed when the TMJ has been caused by an accident, injury or genetic condition. In cases such as these, open joint surgery is done to replace or repair the joint.

Patient-centric Care

We are dedicated to providing patient-centric care for anyone suffering from TMJ. We understand that every patient is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and involve you in the decision-making process. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses the root cause of the disorder.

Long-term Management and Support

Over the course of your TMJ treatments in Tampa, FL, you may need to return to Elevate Smiles Dental for follow-up care and maintenance. In particular, you may need follow-up Botox injections, or oral appliance adjustments to ensure that your treatment is on track. Further, we monitor your progress to ensure that you’re getting the results that you need to be pain-free. Our long-term management and support may also include lifestyle and lifestyle and home care guidance, where we confer with you and offer advice on lifestyle changes and home care practices that can help manage your TMJ symptoms, such as stress management techniques. We can also provide educational materials and resources to help you understand your condition and the treatment options that may be helpful for you.

Contact Elevate Smiles Dental, your dentist in Tampa, FL, for all your needs relating to TMJ. We’re sympathetic to your pain and discomfort and are ready to help get you the relief that you need by offering the most advanced treatment options available today.