WHAT IS TMJ THERAPY?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the point where your jaw attaches to your skull to allow you to open and close your jaw. Sometimes the TMJ is damaged or injured, resulting in a debilitating condition called temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD). If you’re experiencing pain or hearing noises when you move your jaw, schedule an appointment with the experts at Contemporary Dental Health The Center for Advanced Dentistry to determine if you have TMD. We have advanced tools to diagnose and care for your TMD to ease your symptoms at our Lake Oswego, OR office. Your TMJ treatment will be based on the cause of your TMD and your specific condition, but it may include oral appliances (night or mouth guards), bite adjustment, dental restorations, and more.
WHAT DOES TMJ THERAPY INVOLVE?
We will document your concerns and perform an exam to diagnose TMJ dysfunction. We will evaluate how your jaw moves and look for signs of misalignment, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching. We will also examine the jawbone and lower face for swelling and tenderness. We may take digital x-rays and do a bite analysis to look for underlying factors that may determine your treatment. Treatment options could include a mouth guard, teeth straightening, or dental restorations (crowns, bridges, and dentures).
We will also recommend ways to relieve pain and other symptoms on your own. This may include a liquid or soft food diet, not biting your nails or chewing gum, applying heat to your jaw, and relaxation methods. We may also show you exercises to strengthen your jaw or prescribe medicine to relax your facial muscles.
We’ll check your progress during follow-up appointments. If your therapy isn’t working, we may consider a different approach. As soon as your TMD is fully treated, you should still schedule yearly dental examinations at Contemporary Dental Health The Center for Advanced Dentistry to keep your jaw and teeth healthy.