Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause your jaw joint to make a popping or cracking noise. It can also interfere with your ability to move your jaw naturally. Sometimes, the issue causes pain that radiates beyond your jaw. TMJ may even cause you to experience headaches and ringing in your ears. Fortunately, Middletown Commons Family Dental offers treatment for TMJ to help manage your discomfort.

Thorough Exam

The first step to providing treatment for TMJ consists of our dentist asking you to fill out a detailed medical history report about your health and the health of your immediate family. Additionally, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your mouth. You’ll be asked to move your jaw in certain ways so we can evaluate your range of motion and listen for any popping or cracking noises. We’ll also look for signs that you grind or clench your teeth. Once you have a diagnosis, we can determine a TMJ treatment for your needs.

Oral Appliances

One option we may recommend for TMJ is an oral splint or mouthguard. These oral appliances may help you stop habits like teeth grinding that cause you to place a great deal of pressure on your jaws.

Botox

Dr. Ward may recommend Botox® injections into your jaw to help combat your TMJ symptoms. The Botox causes the muscles to relax by preventing some chemical signals from reaching your nerves. This will inhibit habits like teeth clenching and grinding, which can cause TMJ.

Physical Therapy

In some cases, we might suggest a physical therapy program to work on strengthening your jaw muscles, which can also help to relieve some pain. During physical therapy, your dental practitioner will ask you to move your jaw in certain ways to gently move the muscles in your jaw.

Patient Advice

Part of your treatment for TMJ may include suggestions for lifestyle changes. Sometimes eating different foods can lessen your pain. Additionally, reducing your stress may help you manage TMJ symptoms.

TMJ Treatment in Louisville, KY

Pain caused by TMJ can be debilitating for some patients. Book an appointment with Middletown Commons Family Dental, serving Louisville, KY, and the nearby region, for TMJ treatment. You can call us at 502-631-9627 or fill out the online contact form.