Living with TMJ disorder can turn everyday activities like eating, speaking, or even smiling into a struggle. At Smiles by Choice, we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ in St. Louis, MO, addressing not just the symptoms but the root cause of your discomfort.
With advanced techniques and tailored care, we’ll help you regain comfort, improve jaw function, and enjoy life without the burden of persistent facial pain.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. It allows chewing, talking, and freely moving the jaw. When this joint is strained, inflamed, or out of place, it can cause a very painful TMJ disorder and make it more difficult to accomplish normal activities such as talking and eating.
TMJ disorder can manifest through several symptoms that may worsen with time.
Along with these common signs, other symptoms like ear pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears may also occur, making it important to seek professional care early.
Our diagnosis of TMJ disorder involves a very elaborate process that is meant to root out the very cause of your ailment. Our dentist begins with a thorough physical examination of your jaw and facial muscles in order to locate any areas of tension or discomfort. During your evaluation, we’ll assess your jaw movement to identify any restricted range or abnormalities that may be contributing to your discomfort.
Following this, X-rays or other advanced imaging may be used to clearly visualize the temporomandibular joint and evaluate its condition. We also conduct a bite analysis and occlusal analysis to see if an uneven bite is contributing to your symptoms.
Finally, we will meticulously examine your jaw movement and overall function to locate any abnormalities. With this information, we are able to create a treatment plan that directly targets your specific needs and sets you on the path to lasting relief.
At Smiles by Choice, we offer effective, personalized treatment to provide relief from TMJ pain and discomfort. Once your unique symptoms are identified, along with your specific needs, we formulate a treatment plan targeting the underlying cause of your jaw issue, with your comfort and restoration in function.
Here are the treatment options we offer:
We reduce stress through techniques, dietary adjustments, and relaxation exercises to ease muscle tension and reduce jaw clenching, which are often contributors to TMJ disorder. Minor lifestyle changes often help avoid flare-ups. It’s important to get restful sleep during this time.
Custom-fitted bite guards or oral appliances fit over the teeth to prevent grinding and clenching that puts added stress on the jaw joint. These appliances create a buffer and allow your jaw muscles to relax and recover.
Targeted exercises improve function in the jaw while strengthening the muscles that support the TMJ. Physical therapy is effective at increasing mobility, reducing pain, and restoring overall health to the joint.
For symptomatic relief, we may suggest pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, dental sleep medicine, or muscle relaxants to alleviate pain and inflammation. Long-term results often combine these treatments with others.
A misaligned bite could be contributing to your TMJ pain, and dental adjustments or orthodontic treatment could be the solution. Relieving a misaligned bite or malocclusion can help reduce stress on your joint and prevent further damage.
Severe cases may require restorative treatment, such as dental crowns, bridges, or any other procedure to rectify the problem of improper fit in the way teeth come together. These solutions can resolve functional and structural problems, thus bringing long-lasting relief.
Don’t let TMJ disorder disrupt your daily life any longer. At Smiles by Choice, we combine personalized care, advanced techniques, and proven treatments to address the root cause of your jaw pain and restore comfort and function.
Whether you need a simple solution like a nightguard or a more comprehensive approach, our team is here to help. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier smile.
