Find Relief from Painful Symptoms with Non-surgical TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect the lower jaw to the skull. In some cases, TMJs can become inflamed, leading to a condition known as TMJ disorder that results in a number of painful symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, we can perform an accurate diagnosis and provide non-surgical TMJ treatment at Columbus Aesthetic & Family Dentistry in Columbus, GA.
Dr. Brett Helton has years of experience using oral appliances and other procedures to help patients find lasting relief from symptoms of TMJ disorder, and he will custom tailor treatment based on your unique needs. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Helton, contact our practice today.
State-of-the-art equipment and kind, competent and compassionate care! Great experience. Mike V.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
You may be suffering from TMJ disorder if you are experiencing:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Radiating facial pain
- Discomfort in your shoulders, neck, and upper back
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- A clicking or popping sound when moving your jaw
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears
Since the symptoms of TMJ disorder can be caused by other conditions, undergoing a professional diagnosis is extremely important.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
To determine if you are suffering from TMJ disorder, Dr. Helton will perform a comprehensive evaluation. After discussing your symptoms, he will closely examine your face and teeth and take digital x-rays of your jaw to look for signs of the condition. Through this process, he can also better understand the severity of your condition and begin developing a personalized treatment plan.
Treating TMJ Disorder with Splint Therapy
TMJ disorder most often develops when jaw misalignment, orthodontic problems, or bruxism (teeth grinding) causes excessive pressure on TMJs. In these cases, splint therapy may offer a safe and effective solution. Splint therapy involves wearing a special oral appliance that is designed to reduce strain on your TMJs by gently moving your jaw into proper position.
Dr. Helton will choose from several different types of splints and carefully select one that is most appropriate for your symptoms. Your oral appliance will then be customized based on detailed impressions. Most patients will only need to wear the appliance at night, but those with more severe symptoms may need to wear it more often.
Other forms of TMJ Disorder Treatment
Although splint therapy is the most common form of treatment for TMJ disorder, there are other options available. If we find that TMJ disorder is the result of dental damage or tooth loss, Dr. Helton may be able to use a restorative procedure as an effective treatment. A dental crown can be used to return balance to an uneven bite, while dental implants can help replace missing teeth and halt jawbone recession. In more severe cases, we may recommend seeing a specialist. Dr. Helton will explain all of the treatment options available to you in detail to help determine the best course of action.
Schedule an Appointment to Learn More
To learn more about TMJ disorder and undergo a professional evaluation with Dr. Helton, schedule an appointment at Columbus Aesthetic & Family Dentistry today.
