TMJ Treatment—Owings Mills, MD
Escape Jaw Pain & Chronic Headaches
TMJ disorder is a potentially serious health problem that can wreak havoc on your smile, your well-being, and your day-to-day quality of life. It starts at the temporomandibular joints (also known simply as the TMJ), which have the important job of connecting the lower jaw to the skull. When this area and/or its surrounding facial muscles become strained or dysfunctional, a dentist can help you figure out what is causing the problem as well as provide a tailored solution. Contact Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills today to start getting the relief you deserve.
Why Choose Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills for TMJ Treatment?
- Dentist with Advanced Training to Assess Jaw Issues
- Custom-Made Oral Appliances to Stop Nighttime Teeth Grinding
- Proven Solution for Persistent Headaches/Migraines
What is TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
This condition is a complex one that can have several different sources, from a misaligned bite to a traumatic facial injury to habitual bruxism (teeth grinding). This can cause the muscles, nerves, and discs that make up the joint to become damaged and overworked, leading to tension and pain that can radiate throughout the head and neck despite the problem actually being in the jaw. In fact, TMD is one of the most overlooked sources of recurring headaches and migraines!
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Most TMD cases will exhibit at least some of the following symptoms:
- Significant, chronic pain in the jaw, face, head, shoulders, or neck
- Constant discomfort that feels like an earache
- Consistent clicking and popping sounds from the jaw joints
- Difficulty with opening the mouth fully and/or chewing food
- The jaw regularly locks in place
Occlusal Splint
Occlusal splints are a very common solution to TMJ disorder, especially if your specific case is related to chronic teeth grinding. Our team will design a personalized appliance (similar to a nightguard or sportsguard) that is designed to hold your jaw steady in a more comfortable and relaxed position while you sleep. Over time, the consistent use of an occlusal splint can even result in permanent improvements for your jaw’s natural positioning and greatly reduce discomfort.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
One common source of TMJ disorder is an off-balance bite that’s creating excessive strain on certain areas of the mouth. Thankfully, our dentist can perform an occlusal (bite) adjustment by precisely adjusting the surfaces of certain teeth to more evenly spread the pressure they’re experiencing. This can also help with dental sensitivity. Our goal is to only make changes that are absolutely necessary and reintroduce harmony to your smile!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
In many cases, patients experience long-term relief from TMJ disorder (TMD). At Dolfield Dental, Dr. Milner and our team seek to provide Owings Mills patients with TMJ treatment that addresses the root cause of their problem, rather than just the symptoms. For example, an occlusal adjustment can help the teeth to work more harmoniously together, which can reduce the risk of future TMD flare-ups. A custom occlusal splint can also help by training the lower jaw to rest in a position that promotes jaw joint health.
Of course, even after TMD is successfully treated, there is always a chance of future issues. This is especially likely if you develop arthritis, suffer a facial injury, or other unfortunate circumstances arise that can affect the health of your TMJs.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
TMJ treatment is quite safe, particularly when using occlusal splints. These custom appliances are designed to gently guide your lower jaw into a healthier resting position, reducing the strain on your jaw joints and muscles. Worn primarily at night, occlusal splints are non-invasive and can significantly alleviate TMD symptoms over time without posing risks to your overall health.
Equilibration, or occlusal adjustment, is another effective and safe option for TMJ treatment. By reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth to improve alignment, this procedure helps your teeth work more harmoniously. When performed by a qualified dentist, equilibration is precise and poses minimal risks, offering lasting relief for many patients.
If your TMD is severe, you might need to visit a specialist for corrective surgery. While surgery carries a higher level of risk than non-invasive options, it is still generally considered safe.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
When you start using an occlusal splint, you might notice some relief within just a few weeks. However, achieving significant, lasting results can take several months of consistent use. Remember, it is important to be patient because every body responds differently to treatment.
Results from occlusal adjustments may be noticeable more quickly. As your dentist reshapes the biting surfaces of your teeth to improve alignment, you may experience an immediate reduction in stress on your jaw joints. For many patients, full benefits emerge within a few weeks after the procedure.
If an unusually long period of time passes without significant improvements to your condition, contact our team for guidance.
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
In most cases, yes, TMD can be treated without surgery. In fact, the National Institutes of Health recommends that treatment providers always favor conservative treatment methods when circumstances allow.
Surgery may be recommended only when there are significant anatomical abnormalities that prevent other treatments from being effective.
Does Occlusal Adjustment for TMJ Hurt?
Dr. Milner and our team want you to be comfortable! We use precise tools and remove as little enamel as possible during the occlusal adjustment procedure. In some cases, we do not even use local anesthesia because the process is so minimally invasive. Although the treated portions of your mouth might be sore or sensitive for a few days after your appointment, any discomfort should be mild and temporary.