One of the most debilitating dental concerns that our Fayette County patients deal with is jaw pain. Jaw pain, or TMJ pain, is often caused by an issue with the temporomandibular joint of your jaw. This pain can become very distracting for patients and take a toll on their personal and professional lives.
To help patients with TMJ pain, Linton Dental offers comprehensive TMJ treatment solutions. We will examine your dental health to determine what could be causing your TMJ disorder, and do everything we can to help you manage your symptoms and restore your peace of mind.
TMJ Treatment in Peachtree City, GA
Dr. Brian Linton, Dr. Ed Davis, and Dr. Hannah Voelker are your trusted restorative dentists in Peachtree City, GA. For patients who experience frequent jaw pain or discomfort, our dental team provides TMJ treatment.
TMJ treatment involves a thorough evaluation of your dental health to determine what the underlying cause of your jaw pain is. From there, we come up with a plan that is customized to meet your needs and manage your symptoms.
Here are some common questions we get regarding TMJ Treatment:
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
Beyond chronic jaw pain, patients with a TMJ disorder may experience a variety of symptoms including tension headaches, popping or clicking noises when they open or close their mouths, earaches, facial soreness, and unexplained tooth damage.
These symptoms can make it very hard to function during day-to-day tasks and may flare up when the patient is under high amounts of stress.
Why would a missing tooth cause jaw pain?
Anything that throws off your bite pattern can potentially be the source of your jaw pain. Missing teeth are especially common to cause jaw pain because your surrounding teeth are put under additional pressure in performing daily tasks.
The harder your mouth muscles have to work to chew or speak on a daily basis, the more likely you are to hold tension in your jawbone. To treat missing teeth, we offer dental implants and dental bridges.
I have a history of grinding my teeth. Would this be the cause of my TMJ disorder?
Teeth grinding is a common source of many patients’ TMJ disorders. The additional strain caused by the unconscious teeth grinding can make you wake up with a sore jaw before you’ve even started your day. To help treat teeth grinding, our dentists can provide a custom mouthguard that you will wear at night.
This mouthguard protects your teeth while you sleep while also holding your jaw in a healthier resting position so that when you wake up, there will not be this added tension in your jawbone.
What can I do at home to treat my TMJ symptoms?
Beyond seeking professional help, we suggest practicing mindfulness at home. Take several breaks while you are working or under high stress to relax your facial muscles and stretch your jaw around.
Avoid chewing gum or snacking on overtly chewy snacks throughout the day as this will only overwork your jawbone and add unnecessary tension. A cold compress to your jawbone can help reduce any swelling that occurs.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Most adults require TMJ treatment for an average of two to three years. You can relieve pain through stress reduction exercises, stretching the neck and jaw, and massaging the jaw, however, it may take a few weeks to a few months before you experience the full benefits.
How do you relax your jaw?
Studies show that massaging the jaw can improve circulation and loosen tight muscles. To do this, with your mouth open and use a circular motion to massage the muscles in the areas that have the most tension. You should do this, especially before bed.
What does TMJ eye pain feel like?
TMJ causes inflammation in a variety of nerves, which may cause you to experience pain in various locations. The area behind your eyes may swell, throb, or pulse due to this. It can also lead to headaches, fatigue, watery eyes, and photosensitivity.
What makes TMJ pain worse?
Many people experience temporary discomfort from TMJ, but for others, the pain and discomfort persists and is amplified by repetitive clenching, chewing, swallowing, or grinding of the teeth. Patients with TMJ pain should avoid grinding their teeth and chewing foods that are particularly tough or hard.