TMJ Treatment – Lenox, MI
Helping You Overcome Your Jaw Pain
There are millions of Americans who regularly struggle with pain in their jaws or suffer from headaches. These symptoms may be linked to a TMJ disorder, and it may not always be clear what led to the problem in the first place. Our team at Forever Young Dentistry Bayside can help improve the function of your jaw and relieve your discomfort with personalized TMJ treatment in Lenox; reach out to us today if you’re interested in learning more.
Why Choose Forever Young Dentistry Bayside for TMJ Treatment?
- Expertly Designed Anterior Deprogrammers
- Reliable, Customized Occlusal Splints
- Various Dental Insurance Plans Welcomed
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint. Your TMJ is what you use to move your jaw, and you rely on it whenever you chew your food or speak with others. However, issues can occur with the TMJ, leading to a number of troublesome side effects. You may have a higher risk for a TMJ disorder if you have bruxism or if you’ve recently suffered a jaw injury. Symptoms of TMJ disorder typically include the following:
- Constant or recurring jaw pain.
- Discomfort that occurs when you try to eat.
- Frequent headaches.
- Soreness in your neck or shoulders.
- A clicking or popping sound when you move your jaw.
- A ringing sound in your ears.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
There are several risk factors for TMJ disorder that are worth being aware of. Here are just a few likely causes:
- Bruxism: If you grind or clench your teeth, your TMJ may be exposed to more pressure than normal. Bruxism often occurs while you’re asleep, meaning you may not be aware that it’s happening.
- Damaged Joint: There’s a small disk in your TMJ that keeps the lower jaw separated from the temporal bone in your skull. If the disk slips out of its proper position, your bones may start to grind together.
- Arthritis: Having arthritis means that one of your joints is swollen or inflamed. Naturally, arthritis can affect your TMJ as much as it can any other joint.
- Stress: Stress is known to contribute to a variety of health issues. In this case, it can contribute to TMJ disorder by causing the muscles in the joint to tighten.
How Are TMJ Disorders Treated?
Just as there’s more than one possible cause for TMJ disorder, there’s also more than one way to try and relieve it. We’ll be able to develop a treatment plan after taking a look at your jaw and considering the specifics of your case. Some of the treatments we might recommend include mouthguards, muscle therapy, and drug therapy.
What Is the Kois Deprogrammer?
The Kois Deprogrammer is a simple oral appliance that can help guide your bite to a more comfortable position. You’ll typically need to wear the deprogrammer for about two weeks, keeping it in your mouth for most of the day and only taking it out when it’s time to eat or brush your teeth. Once your bite has been properly adjusted, your TMJ will have a chance to relax.