Between 5-12% of all Americans currently have temporomandibular jaw (TMJ) disorders. Aesthetic & Integrative Dentistry in Roswell, Georgia, understands how uncomfortable and even painful TMJ disorders can be, so its dentists use advanced diagnostics and jaw rehab. Victoria Callicutt, DDS, and Amy Dayries, DMD, FAIHM, are experts in jaw structure and function, so they’re the perfect specialists to help with frustrating TMJ disorder symptoms like headaches and jaw pain. Book your appointment by calling the office or using the online scheduler.
TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint, refers to the joints that act as jaw hinges. There are many different types of TMJ disorders, which are commonly just called TMJ.
This joint includes not only the bone but also the muscles and connective tissues around it. When your TMJ is unbalanced or damaged, it can cause a number of serious problems.
TMJ disorder symptoms can include:
If you don't get treatment for TMJ disorder, the condition can get much worse, leading to chronic headaches, tooth alignment problems, bruxism (tooth grinding), and tooth damage.
The cause of TMJ is often unclear. Trauma to the joint is sometimes involved, but in many cases, TMJ sufferers suddenly start experiencing symptoms with no clear-cut trauma or issue.
TMJ is around twice as common in females, so it's possible that female hormones play a role in TMJ disorder development.
At Aesthetic & Integrative Dentistry, Dr. Callicutt or Dr. Dayries examines your mouth, jaw, and surrounding areas and studies your symptoms to make a diagnosis. Depending on how severe your symptoms are and how they're affecting your health, they formulate an individualized TMJ treatment plan for you.
Usually, TMJ disorder treatment begins with conservative measures like a custom bite or night guard that protects your teeth and gently repositions your joint. You may also benefit from physical therapy and muscle-relaxing or pain-relieving medications.
Most TMJ disorder patients get good results from conservative treatments. But, if you still have TMJ pain or other symptoms after treatment, your dentist may recommend Botox® injections to relax the jaw muscles, joint injections, or surgery.
Whether you need conservative or surgical TMJ disorder treatment, lifestyle changes are an integral part of your recovery. Generally, this means avoiding sudden jaw motions like yawning, sleeping on your back, and managing your stress exposure in the most effective way possible.
For TMJ disorder treatments, call Aesthetic & Integrative Dentistry or book an appointment online today.
