TMJ, or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, are problems that affect the joints and muscles in your head and face that you use to chew, talk, and yawn. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and even ears. You may hear a clicking or popping sound when you move your mouth. Since many people are suffering from this, it’s important to know the TMJ treatments in Spokane Valley available for you. Dentists in Spokane Valley can offer a range of specialized care and treatment options to help manage and alleviate TMJ symptoms.
WHAT CAN A DENTIST DO FOR TMJ?
#1 – Recommend Pain Medications
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help relieve the discomfort. This is one of the most basic TMJ treatments you can receive before going on to more in-depth treatment.
- Pain relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can help reduce TMJ pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be over-the-counter or prescription and help reduce TMJ inflammation and pain.
- Muscle relaxants can help ease the muscle spasms that may be causing your TMJ pain.
- Tricyclic antidepressants can help relieve TMJ pain by affecting how your brain processes pain signals.
- Ultra-Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (ULF-TENS) – This TMJ treatment uses a device that sends electrical impulses to the TMJ muscles and can help relieve muscle spasms and pain.
#2 – Adjust Your Bite
Your TMJ pain may be caused by teeth that are not aligned properly. In this case, your dentist may adjust your bite. This is done by filing down some of your teeth so that they fit together better when you bite down.
They may also use fillings as TMJ treatments to build up some of your teeth so that your bite is more even. In some cases, you may need to wear a mouthguard or splint at night to keep your teeth from moving out of alignment.
#3 – Administer Injections
If you’re not finding relief from TMJ pain with medications or adjusted biting, your dentist may recommend injections. These can be done with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or with Botox to relax the muscles.
The injections are done directly into the TMJ joint or the muscles around it. They can provide relief for TMJ treatments for several months at a time.
#4 – Perform Arthrocentesis (Joint Aspiration)
This TMJ treatment uses a syringe to collect synovial fluid from a joint capsule. This fluid can then be analyzed to look for signs of infection or disease. Arthrocentesis can also be used to inject medication directly into the TMJ joint. This can help reduce inflammation and pain.
#5 – Use Splint or Muscle Relaxation Appliance
If your TMJ pain is caused by clenching or grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you wear a splint or mouthguard at night. This will protect your teeth from the damage of grinding and also help to keep your jaw in alignment.
You may also be asked to do exercises to relax the muscles in your jaw. This can help reduce TMJ pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw.
#6 – Recommend Reconstruction Surgery
In some cases, TMJ reconstruction surgery performed by an experienced oral surgeon in Spokane Valley may be the best option. This is a more invasive TMJ treatment that should only be considered after other options have been tried. The surgery can involve making changes to the bones or joint surfaces in your jaw. It may also involve repairing or replacing the TMJ joint.
BEST TMJ TREATMENTS DENTIST IN NORTH SPOKANE AND SPOKANE VALLEY
Our doctors at The Avenue Dental Care are experienced in treating TMJ disorders and can help you find the best TMJ treatments for your needs. We offer a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
At our dental office, we do not recommend only one treatment for TMJ but a comprehensive treatment plan to get long-term and pain-free results. First, we perform a neuromuscular dentistry diagnosis to identify the problem. Our treatment plans are designed and suited according to your unique needs to initiate the optimal positions for your jaws for long-term functions of the TMJ.
The typical TMJ treatment option includes the use of mouthguards crafted using a special machine that helps in tracking the movements of the jaw. The TMJ exercises are also helpful in managing TMJ pain by strengthening the muscles and reducing inflammation.
Providing you with long-term relief from your TMJ disorder can help you get back to enjoying your life in no time! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation!