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!