TMJ Treatment
Are you suffering from TMJ? Call Palencia Dental for TMJ relief in St. Augustine. Dr. Stephanie Kinsey offers diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Dr. Kinsey completed a three month TMJ residency at The Center for Occlusal Studies with Dr. Jay Gerber in Parkersburg, WV to bring our patients better diagnosis and treatment options.
If you have symptoms of TMJ, call 904-664-5254 to schedule an appointment.
Request Appointment
What is TMJ?
Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome or TMJ is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Most people suffering from TMJ are unaware of the root causes of the problem. One common cause is the misalignment of teeth. Often, realigning the teeth can stop the pounding headaches, jaw pain, and other symptoms. Another common cause of TMJ is grinding teeth, which often occurs at night this erodes the structure of the teeth and can contribute to problems such as eroded jaw bones and loose teeth.
Read More
Some of the common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Facial pain
- Neck pain
- Restricted jaw movement
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joints
- Congestion, stuffiness, or ringing in the ears
- Recurring pain or soreness around the jaw
- Unexplained tooth pain or tooth movement
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Excessive wear or cracking of the teeth or restorations
TMJ symptoms may be debilitating and interfere with your daily life. Patients often report that their symptoms become worse when they are experiencing prolonged periods of stress. It is also common for intense outbreaks to cause dizziness and neck pain. At Palencia Dental, our primary concern is the comfort and well-being of our patients.
What causes TMJ?
TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or head can lead to TMJ issues.
- Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ.
- Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding or clenching can strain the jaw muscles and joints.
- Misalignment: Malocclusion or a misaligned bite can place undue stress on the TMJ.
- Stress: Stress can cause or exacerbate jaw tension and muscle strain.
How do I get TMJ to go away?
Treatment for TMJ disorders varies based on the severity and cause of the condition. Options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and practicing relaxation techniques can help alleviate symptoms.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and swelling.
- Therapies: Physical therapy, exercises, and stress management techniques can improve jaw function and reduce discomfort.
- Dental Appliances: Nightguards or splints can prevent teeth grinding and alleviate pressure on the TMJ.
- Advanced Treatments: In some cases, treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
What happens if TMJ is untreated?
Untreated TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, impacting daily activities and overall well-being. Long-term effects may include:
- Worsening Symptoms: Pain, headaches, and jaw dysfunction can become more severe.
- Dental Issues: Ongoing bruxism can cause tooth wear, fractures, and other dental problems.
- Jaw Damage: Persistent stress on the TMJ can lead to joint damage or dislocation.
- Systemic Impact: Chronic pain and stress from TMJ disorders can affect sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life.
What makes TMJ worse?
Certain factors and habits can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, including:
- Chewing Gum: Excessive gum chewing can strain the jaw muscles.
- Hard Foods: Eating tough or crunchy foods can aggravate the TMJ.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or holding the head in an awkward position can increase jaw tension.
- Teeth Grinding: Bruxism, especially during sleep, can worsen TMJ symptoms.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
TMJ dentist Dr. Stephanie Kinsey is trained to diagnose and devise a plan for treatment to provide effective TMJ relief in St. Augustine. There are several methods for relieving symptoms.
- Custom Mouthguards: A specially molded mouthguard can be used at night to prevent teeth grinding. Designed to reduce teeth grinding and clenching, protecting your teeth and alleviating stress on the TMJ.
- Physical Therapy and Exercises: Targeted therapies to strengthen jaw muscles, improve jaw alignment, and reduce pain.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications: Guidance on changes that can reduce strain on your TMJ, such as relaxation techniques which can be used to reduce stress, muscle relaxants, and dietary adjustments.
- Advanced Dental Treatments: In cases where TMJ disorders are linked to dental issues, we offer restorative and corrective treatments to enhance jaw function and alignment.
Realignment is a better alternative to improve TMJ symptoms and offers the added benefit of improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, this may involve adjusting the natural teeth and placing new restorations. At Palencia Dental, we have performed this procedure numerous times with great success.
Request Appointment