Birmingham, AL TMJ Dentist
If you’re dealing with TMJ disorder, you have many options for treatment. Here’s a look at common symptoms as well as treatment approaches that can relieve pain, rehabilitate your bite, or even repair your jaw joint, depending on your individual needs and goals. Almost all of these treatments can be taken care of by a dentist experienced with TMJ disorder. But it’s important to note that there’s no such thing as a “TMJ dentist,” as TMJ dentistry is not a recognized specialty of the American Dental Association.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder (TMD) is the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint — or jaw joint. It is most easily recognized by any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Limited range of jaw movement
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
However, TMJ disorder can cause other symptoms that may seem less obviously related. These include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches
- Toothaches
- Pain in your face, neck, or shoulders
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, the good news is that there are a variety of treatment options available. The approach that is best for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your symptoms and your treatment goals. Here are four common ways that TMD symptoms are addressed.
Bite Splint
A bite splint is an orthotic device that repositions your teeth to better align your bite. Since bite misalignment is often a root cause of TMJ disorder, adjusting your bite can alleviate pain and other bothersome symptoms you may be experiencing.
Xeomin Treatment
Like Botox, Xeomin is a neuromuscular inhibitor. Its muscle-relaxing properties make it an ideal non-surgical treatment for the jaw tension and stiffness associated with TMJ disorder. Xeomin treatments involve one or two injections on each side of the jaw, each causing no more sensation than a small prick. This simple process lasts no longer than 15 minutes. Results are noticeable within about 2 weeks and last between 3 and 5 months. At Alabaster Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Luis Abrahante is Xeomin-certified and ready to help alleviate your TMJ pain.
Surgery
Seen as a treatment of last resort, surgery for TMJ disorder is typically only recommended in severe cases, as when jaw movement is restricted and pain is consistent. Surgical treatment usually begins with the most conservative approach and progresses to more invasive methods only when necessary. Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure in which fluid is injected into the jaw joint to flush out byproducts of inflammation and alleviate jaw pressure. Arthroscopy, which involves operating on the jaw joint through a small tube inserted into it, is less invasive than open-joint surgery and has a shorter recovery time. The most complex type of surgery for TMD with the longest recovery time is open-joint surgery, which requires the surgeon to enter the joint in order to repair the structure of the joint.
Full-Mouth Reconstruction at Alabaster Aesthetic Dentistry
Full-mouth reconstruction addresses a root cause of TMJ disorder without invasive surgery. It rehabilitates your bite so that your jaw can function normally and painlessly. Full-mouth reconstruction involves crowns and other treatments to give your teeth ideal occlusion so that your bite is perfectly comfortable. The end result is not only a resolution of TMD symptoms but a beautiful new smile! To learn more, see our Full-Mouth Reconstruction page.
Your First Step Toward Restoration
To get started toward resolving your TMD symptoms, give us a call at (205) 663-6545 to schedule a consultation. If you prefer, you can request an appointment online, and we’ll call you to schedule.
