A dentist is a person who mainly treats your teeth and gums. While that is vital, a dentist can also offer treatment for your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ for short. These joints play a crucial role in proper oral function.
Your TMJ helps you speak, smile, and eat. If they do not work correctly, you can experience pain that may affect your everyday life.
If you constantly suffer from headaches, jaw pain, or painful chewing, you may have a bite disorder called TMJ disorder.
LIFESmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers TMJ treatment in Boise, ID for people who suffer from TMJ disorders.
Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder work with patients to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms. We can create a personalized solution based on your needs. Our goal is to help alleviate the painful symptoms of a TMJ disorder and restore your quality of life. Addressing your TMJ disorder early on may help prevent further damage to the teeth, gums, and jawbone.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint that is surrounding by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These joints are on each side of your face and connect the jaw to the skull.
Located just in front of your ears, the joint is responsible for essential jaw movements. The TMJ help people chew food, speak, laugh, swallow, yawn, sing, etc. Any trauma to the joint can cause an array of painful and uncomfortable symptoms.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder, called TMD which is short for temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to a dysfunction in the TMJ. This group of conditions affects the function of the TMJ and the muscles and ligaments that surround it. When these joints cannot function properly, it can lead to jaw pain, restricted jaw movement, and other symptoms. These symptoms are often from the pressure on the jaw joint and muscle.
It can be hard to find the cause of your TMD. It can be an obvious cause, such as a blow to the face or an injury. However, many people suffer from a TMJ disorder for reasons they do now know.
For many of our patients, they spend years suffering from TMJ symptoms without any relief. They may not realize their symptoms are because of a complex dental concern. Some factors that can contribute to TMD and are a common cause of jaw pain include:
- Teeth grinding
- Misaligned jaw
- Misaligned teeth
- Arthritis
- Muscles tension
- Stress
- An accident
Common Signs of a TMJ Disorder
Symptoms of TMJ can affect your quality of life. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, be sure to mention them during your next visit to our Boise dental office.
- Frequent Headaches
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Worn or damaged teeth
- Tooth sensitivity or toothache
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Jaw pain or aches, especially when you open your mouth
- Clicking popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
- Facial pain, jaw pain, or neck pain
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
TMJ Treatment in Boise, ID
Treatment for TMJ depends on the root cause and patient’s overall oral health. We also need to know if you have any underlying bite issues. One of our expert dentists will do a complete examination and analyze your bite. Your mouth exam will include an assessment of any damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
Your dentist may also need X-rays to see if there is any damage below the gums. After a complete exam, your dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Your TMJ Treatment plant may include:
Mouthguard/ Nightguard
A nightguard is a custom designed oral appliance that we use to treat TMJ disorders. Patients will wear it during the night while they are sleeping. During this time, clenching and grinding is common and makes the issue worse.
The nightguard, which essentially resembles a mouthguard, helps to reposition the jaw and reduce the pressure on the TMJ. This will prevent the patient from grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw while they sleep. These habits often exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
This protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth will lessen the strain the jaw joints. It also offers relief to the muscles and ligaments around the TMJ. When you wear it regularly, it provide you with relief from your symptoms.
People who wear the nightguard have less pain, frequent headaches, inflammation in the jaw, and a better overall TMJ function. To learn more about the benefits of wearing a mouthguard, see Mouthguards.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry treatments can help with a TMJ disorder by addressing dental issues that may contribute to the condition. Excessive teeth grinding and clenching can lead to tooth damage.
We offer several treatments, such as dental crowns and dental bridges that can help with the damage. These treatments can fix misaligned teeth, improving bite alignment, and help address TMJ symptoms.
Also, restorative treatments are crucial at fixing damage caused by TMJ disorders and teeth grinding. This can lead to damage to the biting surface of the teeth. Treatments like dental implants or dentures can replace missing teeth to improve oral function, and reduce strain on the TMJ.
Overall, restorative treatments will help ease TMJ pain and fix any dental issues that threaten your oral environment. To learn more about the restorative treatments we offer, see Restorative Dentistry.
Orthodontics
We offer the ClearCorrect clear aligner system as an orthodontic treatment to help patients with a TMJ disorder. ClearCorrect clear aligner system is an effective way to realign the bite and straighten crooked teeth. When you correct your tooth alignment, it addresses the underlying bite alignment issues. These issues often contribute to the condition.
This clear aligner system will gradually shift the teeth into proper position, thus aligning the teeth. The results of the treatment are improvement to the bite and less tension and stress on the teeth and jaw joint. Clear aligners can help free you from TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain, frequent headaches, and muscle tension. To learn more about how ClearCorrect works, see Invisible Braces.
If necessary, we may suggest one or more of these treatment options. Our goal is to address your symptoms and free you of any pain or discomfort. Is extreme cases of TMJ, you may need muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Contact us Today for TMJ Treatment in Boise, ID
We will provide you with the correct TMJ treatments in Boise, Idaho to address all your painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. After an exam and consultation, your dentist will develop a treatment plan that will work best for you and your unique needs. If you would like to visit our office for an evaluation, call (208) 254-6365 to schedule an appointment.