TMD Treatment
Dr. Davis diagnoses and provides dental treatment and dental care to patients who have TMD (Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction/Disorder) also known as TMJ disorders (TMJ stands for temporomandibular joints and note there are two matching temporomandibular joints on each side of your head).
TMD (Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction/Disorder) or TMJ Disorders are problems or symptoms of the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.
The causes of TMD or TMJ Disorders involve physical stress on the structures around the temporomandibular joints such as on the cartilage disk of one or both of the joints or muscles of the jaw, face and neck, or nearby ligaments, blood vessels and nerves or teeth. Chronic physical stresses over time may cause the problem such as with arthritis or a bad bite or may be caused after an acute incident such as with a dislocated jaw, fractured jaw that gives rise to physical stresses that can become chronic.
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- Chewing or biting problems, may experience uncomfortable bite
- Limited ability to open mouth, limited range of opening
- Chronic locking of the jaw wherein jaw gets stuck in an open or closed position
- Frequent headaches
- Ringing of the ears (known as tinnitus)
- Clenching or grinding of teeth
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain or dull aching in the face
- Tired feeling in the face
- Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening and/or closing mouth may or may not be accompanied by pain
- Pain or tenderness in the ears, face, jaw joints, neck and shoulders when chewing, speaking, or with widely opening the mouth
- Pain or tenderness with yawning
- Upper shoulder pain
- Hearing problems
The patient having TMD or TMJ Disorders can often become frustrated with the symptomatic episodes that can disrupt daily activity for some. The symptoms can be temporary or become chronic problem.
Diagnosis of TMD or TMJ Disorders requires a professional especially since some symptoms may be caused by other conditions or an underlying condition requires diagnosis and treatment to remedy the situation or to help the patient deal with any symptomatic episodes. Diagnosis will require a full history and a detailed exam and evaluation identifying symptoms with a full bite evaluation and a variety of xrays of the jaw may be required. Review of the findings need to be gone over with the patient and may require the intervention of medical healthcare providers in some cases where medical issues are causative factors.
Treatment May Involve:
- Use of splint appliances to find a pain free treatment position. Followed by corrective dental treatment to restore the alignment of your bite which may include full bite restoration if missing any teeth, crown work, or recontouring of tooth surfaces (occlusal adjustments complete or limited).
- Orthodontics for proper alignment of teeth may be required.
- Teaching the patient to implement: stretching exercises, relaxation techniques on the muscles to control muscle tensions in the jaw and massaging of the muscles of the jaw. Instructions sheet given on these to assist the patient.
- Any actions that trigger symptoms such as chewing gum need to be identified and stopped if possible.
- Moist Heat and Cold Compress therapy
- Stress Reduction Techniques
- Temporary use of Ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
- Muscle relaxants
- TMJ Botox Therapy
- Bite Guard or Splint appliances
- Recommendation of intervention of medical healthcare providers in some cases where medical issues are causative factors to address such causative factors which may lead to physical therapist involvement or clinical therapeutic massage therapist as per the doctor's prescription.
If you suffer pain or discomfort that you believe may be related to TMD or TMJ Disorders, please ask for help. You don't have to suffer and successful treatment of TMD or TMJ Disorders begins with a dental professional like
Dr. Davis.
For more information regarding TMJ Disorders and TMD treatment options, as well as any related services, contact the office of Dr. John M. Davis III, D.D.S. at (954) 941-3003.
Dr. Davis' office is centrally located in Pompano Beach, FL and serves patients that travel from across the globe as well as locally from Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Parkland and Boca Raton.
Patient Financing Offered by Lending Club Patient Solutions:
