The best treatments for TMJ pain in Turlock, CA
Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder is a dysfunction of the joints that keep the lower jaw attached to the skull. It can cause pain and locking or popping of the jaw which is uncomfortable for those who suffer from the condition. When patients are struggling, dealing with pain from their TMJ, it is important that they seek the assistance of a quality dental team experienced in providing advanced TMJ disorder (TMD) therapies.
Patients from Turlock to the San Francisco Bay Area who are suffering with this condition (TMD) and enduring chronic pain in their jaw can find relief at the office of Dr. Ramsin K. Davoud DDS. When it comes to TMJ disorder and treatments in Turlock CA, Dr. Davoud is an authority.
What is the TMJ?
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull. It’s a complicated joint that is instrumental in facilitating a variety of motions such as hinging, rolling, gliding, and sliding to allow the mouth to function.
What is TMD?
There are times when this jaw can become dysfunctional. Patients may experience clicking, popping, and locking of the jaw. Additionally, the muscles surrounding the jaw may become problematic, resulting in neuromuscular pain. This can become chronic and extremely painful. People with TMD often find it difficult to carry out even simple, everyday tasks such as eating, swallowing, and speaking.
Some of the common symptoms of TMD:
- Pain, usually near the jaw, the upper neck or behind the ear
- Limited ability to open and close mouth
- Jaw locking
- Swelling
- Popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaws
What causes TMD?
- Bruxism – teeth grinding or clenching
- Trauma to the area
- Recent restorative dental work
- Excessive nail biting
- Stress
- Degenerative joint disease
How is TMD treated?
Many patients resort to taking pain medication for the condition, when they would do better to speak to a dentist about a long-term solution. There are many different types of solutions that are effective and convenient.
TMD is treated with either orthodontics or oral appliance therapy. Orthodontics help in realigning the teeth which can affect the jaw joint, while oral appliance therapy is the use of an oral appliance that realigns the jaw and keeps tension from damaging the teeth. Patients with TMD may benefit from wearing an oral appliance if their natural teeth and dental restorations are being damaged from clenching and grinding the teeth.
Oral appliance therapy
This method of treatment can help keep the jaw properly aligned, which would contribute towards reducing pain. Like a sports guard, the appliance fits snugly over the teeth. When worn during sleep, the appliance can be extremely effective at preventing grinding and clenching of the teeth.
Which treatment is most appropriate?
Deciding the treatment option for you starts with a consultation appointment at Ramsin K. Davoud DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. During an evaluation, Dr. Davoud will give recommendations based on his examination. Patients can talk to him about the pros and cons of each solution available to make an educated decision. Treatment would be provided only after the patient has full understanding of what the options are and about all the different procedures.
Resolving the symptoms of TMD may involve a combination of methods. Patients who suffer due to high stress may benefit from a stress management program. Pain management through medication may also be effective. For patients who have oral causes of TMD such as bruxism, oral appliance therapy may be the solution.
Are you suffering from TMJ pain?
If you are one of those who have been suffering from severe pain caused by TMD, now is the time to seek treatment with a dental professional such as Dr. Ramsin K. Davoud. His practice, located at 1840 N. Olive Ave suite #2, in Turlock, CA is accepting new patients ready for comprehensive dental care solutions. Call today for an appointment at (209) 666-8867.
