Clicking, soreness, or tension in the jaw muscles can compromise your comfort and keep you from chewing with natural ease. This pain often stems from TMJ/TMD, a jaw disorder that can be resolved with a variety of minimally invasive, tailored treatments. Find relief with solutions from your Gilbert TMJ dentist today.
TMJ Disorder or TMJ Dysfunction, also referred to as TMD, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint is responsible for gliding and sliding motions of the jaw that helps you speak, eat and make facial expressions.
While no specific cause of TMD is known, it is closely associated with arthritis, bruxism, a misaligned bite, or an injury to the jaw which causes dysfunction in the jaw joint, leading to mobility issues and jaw pain. Contact us at Dentistry of Gilbert to schedule a consultation.
Many patients who have TMD also grind their teeth.
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Dr. Chow will examine your teeth and gums to rule out other oral health problems. TMJ disorders can be diagnosed by performing an oral exam and taking x-rays to look for inflamed tissues, and by assessing your symptoms.
Impressions will be taken of your mouth and sent to an outside dental lab that is in charge of fabricating your custom mouthguard. By taking impressions, we can ensure a perfect fit over your teeth that isn’t too loose or too tight.
It can take a few weeks to fabricate your mouthguard.
Once your mouthguard is ready and has arrived at our office, we will give you a call to come in and pick it up. You can begin treatment right away by wearing it to sleep each night.
Mouthguards are subject to wear and tear so you will need to replace them over time. You should attend regular checkups and bring your mouthguard so we can check on its condition and let you know if it needs to be replaced. We will reassess your TMJ symptoms in a future appointment to check for improvements.
TMJ disorder can be triggered by a variety of factors, and understanding what causes it to flare up can help you manage and prevent future episodes.
Some common triggers for TMJ flare-ups include:
1. Stress: Emotional or physical stress can cause muscle tension in the jaw, leading to TMJ symptoms.
2. Teeth grinding or clenching: Habits like teeth grinding or clenching, often done unconsciously during sleep, can put excessive pressure on the jaw joint.
3. Jaw injury: Trauma to the jaw, such as a sports injury or accident, can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder.
4. Poor posture: Slouching or poor posture can strain the muscles and joints in the neck and jaw, leading to TMJ symptoms.
5. Arthritis: Certain forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the temporomandibular joint and contribute to TMJ disorder.
6. Dental issues: Misaligned teeth, an improper bite, or missing teeth can put additional stress on the jaw joint, increasing the risk of TMJ symptoms.
By identifying and avoiding these triggers, you can help minimize the frequency and intensity of TMJ flare-ups. Additionally, seeking professional treatment from a qualified dental provider can help address the underlying causes of TMJ disorder and provide long-term relief.
At Dentistry of Gilbert, we specialize in TMJ treatments and can help you understand the specific triggers that may be contributing to your symptoms. Our goal is to provide you with effective solutions to manage your TMJ disorder and improve your overall oral health and well-being.
Remember, if you have any further questions or concerns about TMJ treatment, insurance coverage, or managing TMJ flare-ups, don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at Dentistry of Gilbert. We're here to help you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier, more comfortable smile.
TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. While TMJ disorder can be a chronic condition, the good news is that it is often manageable and treatable.
The goal of TMJ treatment is to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the function of the jaw joint. Depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medication, physical therapy, or dental interventions.
While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for TMJ disorder, many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms with the right treatment approach. It's important to work closely with a qualified dental professional who can assess your specific condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
At Dentistry of Gilbert, Dr. Shelton Chow and our experienced team are dedicated to helping patients find relief from TMJ disorder. We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
If you're suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, you're probably wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment. The answer to this question can vary depending on your insurance provider and the specific details of your policy.
TMJ treatment is often covered by insurance, but it's important to check with your insurance company to understand the specifics of your coverage. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the treatment costs, while others may cover it in full. It's also worth noting that the extent of coverage may depend on the severity of your TMJ condition and the recommended treatment plan.
To determine if your insurance covers TMJ treatment, you can start by reviewing your policy documents or contacting your insurance provider directly. They can provide you with information about the coverage limits, any pre-authorization requirements, and the network of providers you can visit.
At Dentistry of Gilbert, we understand that insurance can be complex and confusing. That's why our knowledgeable team is here to help. We can assist you in navigating your insurance coverage and provide you with a clear understanding of the costs associated with your TMJ treatment.
TMD can cause a lot of discomforts such as mobility problems and pain. TMJ pain is most commonly felt in the jaw due to jaw strain but the pain can often radiate through the face, ears, neck, and shoulders.
Patients with TMD often experience frequent headaches and may even experience ringing in the ears. It is typically difficult to open the mouth very wide and when patients do open their mouth, they can hear clicking or popping sounds.
Some patients experience lockjaw, meaning that their jaw locks up when they open or close their mouth and it is very difficult to open or close it. Patients tend to experience more discomfort and jaw immobility when chewing. When TMD affects the ears, it can also cause dizziness.
There are many mysteries we don't quite know about TMJ Disorder, which is why it's important to ask your doctor as many questions as you can. While we don't know a specific cause of TMD, we know plenty about the effective ways to diagnose and treat it.
You should start by asking your doctor how you can know if you have TMD and what the various methods of treatment are. Ask your doctor how you should proceed if your symptoms don't improve after wearing a mouthguard. You may need further TMJ therapy.
You should also ask if there are any other lifestyle changes or habits you can engage in at home that will improve your TMD. Ask your doctor why it's so important to treat TMD symptoms and what complications can occur if you don't. Don't forget to ask why your doctor is qualified to treat TMD and ask to see what credentials they have.
If you are a new patient to Dentistry of Gilbert we are excited to meet you!
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