Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause significant discomfort, from jaw pain and headaches to difficulty chewing and even earaches. If you’re struggling with TMJ symptoms, you’re not alone—and relief is possible. Effective TMJ treatment options include advanced dental solutions like custom mouthguards or orthodontic adjustments. Check here to find relief for your pain!
If you still need relief, come in and meet with us! At Uplift Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering top-notch dental care in Garden Grove, CA. Our goal is to create lifelong relationships while offering patient-centered, holistic dental solutions. Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or you’re seeking a new family dentist, we are here to ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience. Come on in -- we can't wait to meet you!
Don’t let TMJ pain control your life—discover how the right treatment can restore your comfort and improve your quality of life. Our orthodontic and general dental services offer personalized treatment solutions tailored to your needs. Learn more about our TMJ treatment in Garden Grove and general dentistry options. Schedule your appointment today at (714) 898-3308 and find our IG here.
What is TMJ Pain?
Pain with your TMJ can hurt your jaw and radiate to your neck, face, and head. Unlike other body joints, like your knees, TMJ pain is hard to treat with anti-inflammatory drugs alone. You may need to alternate ice and heat therapy as well.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
Like any other joint in your body, your TMJ can be fractured. Grinding and clenching your teeth can cause TMJ pain. When you have issues and chronic TMJ pain, chances are you may have TMD.
What is TMD?
Suppose you're having a problem with your jaw, your Jaw joint (TMJ), and facial muscles. In that case, you may have TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder). There are many signs and symptoms of TMD. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Pain in the face, jaw, or ear area
- Headaches (often mimicking migraines), earaches, and pain and pressure behind the eyes
- A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth
- jaw that "gets stuck," locked or goes out of place
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Swelling of the face
What Causes TMD?
Here are some issues that can cause TMD:
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis inflammation
- Overstress from missing permanent chewing teeth
- Chronic Pain due to bruxing (grinding and clenching teeth in your sleep)
- A history of jaw injury
- Specific progressive middle ear or bone diseases
How To Treat TMJ Pain And TMD
Only your dental professional will be able to diagnose and prescribe a treatment that's right for you. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research determined that experts recommend the most conservative, reversible treatments possible for TMJ disorders due to insufficient studies on safety and effectiveness. Here are some treatment options that your dental professional may consider:
- Wearing a night guard to reduce grinding and clenching
- Over-the-counter pain-relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
- Relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in your jaw
- Although rare, surgery is sometimes required to correct TMJ problems
- Short-term treatment of TMJ discomfort is through the use of reversible splinting options
- Bite splints - these can be worn at night or throughout the day, depending on the condition's severity
- Low-level laser stimulation
- injections to relax the jaw
- Surgical bite reconstruction
Ready to Schedule Your Visit?
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