TMJ Therapy – New Bedford, MA
Enjoy Life Without Jaw Pain Again
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is what attaches the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. When the TMJ isn’t functioning properly, you may experience a tremendous amount of pain, and you might not even be able to move your mouth properly. We can examine your jaw and check for signs of a TMJ disorder, and we can follow up by offering multiple solutions for stopping your pain and helping the joint recover. Call us today to schedule a consultation to discuss TMJ therapy in New Bedford, MA.
Why Choose Sound Dentistry for TMJ Therapy?
- Technology-Driven Dental Office
- Fully Customized Occlusal Splints
- Outstanding, Friendly Dental Team
Diagnosis & Treatment
When we suspect that you have a TMJ disorder, we’ll discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw. Persistent jaw pain, lockjaw, aching pain in or around the ear, difficulty chewing, and a clicking sound whenever you move your mouth are all potential warning signs of a TMJ disorder. X-rays and other scans might be needed for us to narrow down the source of the problem. Once a diagnosis has been made, we can discuss different forms of TMJ treatment based on the underlying issues that are contributing to the problem.
Occlusal Splints
A misaligned jaw puts an undue amount of pressure on the TMJ. An occlusal splint can be used to relieve some of this pressure by helping the jaw find a better resting position. After about three months of therapy or so, the jaw should be able to settle into this new resting position on its own; some patients will need to keep wearing their appliance continually, however. As a side benefit, occlusal splints can also help prevent the teeth from grinding together, which is a harmful side effect of many TMJ disorders.
Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustments
Sometimes the way the teeth come together is in conflict with the jaw’s natural resting position. As a result, certain teeth will have an excessive amount of pressure placed on them, leading to TMJ pain. During equilibration, we locate the spots where the teeth don’t come together correctly and perform minor adjustments as needed. This means removing small amounts of enamel until the teeth meet evenly and smoothly in every spot around your entire mouth.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
Very often, it is possible for patients to experience long-term relief from TMJ disorder (TMD). Our team offers treatments that aim to address the root cause of this condition. For example, occlusal adjustment can help your teeth work more harmoniously together, which allows for reduced stress on your TMJs (jaw joints). Occlusal splints are also effective because they provide relief for overworked muscles.
Other treatments, such as home remedies, may provide temporary symptom relief. However, problems are likely to continue recurring if the underlying cause of TMD is not cared for.
Also, keep in mind that even after successful TMJ treatment, TMD may recur due to new injuries or stress on the jaw joints.
Can TMJ Be Fixed with Braces or Clear Aligners?
In some cases, dental misalignment is a primary cause of TMD symptoms. Braces or clear aligners can produce a more functional bite, which may in turn lead to the elimination of TMD.
However, keep in mind that orthodontia might actually cause a temporary increase in symptoms as it places pressure on the oral structures.
Our New Bedford team is pleased to offer SureSmile aligners. If we believe they may help with your TMD, we will talk to you about that during your appointment.
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes, TMJ can often be treated successfully without the need for surgery. Many patients experience significant relief through non-invasive methods such as occlusal adjustments, custom occlusal splints, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners, and targeted jaw exercises. Additionally, self-care strategies and lifestyle changes may help reduce discomfort and manage flare-ups.
Surgery is regarded as a last-resort treatment and is only used when other treatments would not be effective.
Does Occlusal Adjustment for TMJ Hurt?
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during procedures, so you can expect us to take great care during your occlusal adjustment appointment. We may adjust your restorations or tooth enamel to create a more functional bite. If we need to work on your enamel, we may only remove a sliver, so our instruments should not irritate the sensitive inner portions of your teeth. In some cases, we administer local anesthesia to promote patient comfort.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
The timeline for experiencing relief from TMJ symptoms with professional treatment can vary from person to person.
Many patients begin to notice a reduction in jaw discomfort, headaches, or bite-related issues within a few days to a couple of weeks after starting to use a custom occlusal splint. However, for some individuals, it may take several weeks for the jaw to adapt and for symptoms to noticeably diminish.
When it comes to occlusal adjustment, the timeframe for improvement also depends on factors such as the severity of the misalignment and the body's response to treatment. Some patients may experience good results almost immediately after the adjustment, especially if the bite was significantly off prior to the procedure. For others, subtle changes may unfold over the course of several weeks as the jaw muscles and joints gradually settle into a more balanced position.