If you often experience jaw pain, neck or face fatigue, or trouble opening or closing your mouth, you may have TMJ. If left untreated, this disorder can cause severe discomfort, making it difficult to focus on daily activities. Dr. Koch offers various TMJ Treatment Jasper options, including oral surgery to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms indicating TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorder is a health condition affecting your jaw joint and surrounding muscle functioning. Symptoms can vary from one individual to the next, but the most prevalent ones are a pain in your jaw, face, and ear, headaches, difficulty closing or opening your mouth, and clicking sounds whenever you open your mouth. You may also experience fatigue in your neck or face, stiffness, or tightness in your jaw muscles. Other less common symptoms include ringing in your ears, dizziness, and toothaches. In severe cases, this disorder can make it impossible for you to speak or eat.
Diagnosis of TMJ
During your consultation, Dr. Koch will discuss your symptoms, evaluate your jaw and review your medical history. He may ask about recent injuries and surgeries or if you habitually grind your teeth. During the physical exam, your doctor may check for tenderness and clicking sounds in your jaw. They may also suggest additional tests like MRI and CT scans to get a better view of your jaw and detect the underlying cause of your pain. The results of your comprehensive examination will help your doctor to design a personalized treatment plan to improve your symptoms.
Available treatments
Advanced Dental Care of East Texas offers various types of TMJ treatments, including the following:
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
This non-invasive treatment involves placing electrodes near your jaw joint and transmitting an electrical current to stimulate the nerves and muscles in your jaw. This stimulation can relieve inflammation and promote healing and blood circulation. Your provider may combine this treatment with medication and physical therapy to achieve maximum results.
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Custom-made dental orthotics
These orthotics are designed to fit over your teeth and relieve jaw pain and discomfort. The team will customize you to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency. Additionally, these orthotics can protect your teeth from bruxism, improve jaw alignment and relieve muscle tension. Dr. Koch may combine this treatment with lifestyle modifications for quicker recovery.
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Oral surgery
If the conservative approaches fail to alleviate your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. The surgery may alter your bite to prevent teeth grinding and improve muscle tension. Although this treatment is effective, your doctor may only suggest it after other treatments fail to provide the desired relief due to the associated risks.
The type of treatment Dr. Koch recommends depends on your age, medical history, and overall health. A thorough oral exam and a discussion of your expectation can help you develop an individualized treatment that aligns with your health needs. Also, the team will discuss the benefits and risks of these treatments before suggesting the most appropriate option.
Don’t allow TMJ to affect your quality of life when you can call Advanced Dental Care of East Texas for treatment.
