If you have jaw pain or stiffness from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder near Wall Township, you may be wondering how you can alleviate it as quickly and effectively as possible. The good news is that your dentist has treatment options available that treat the underlying cause of TMJ disorders so that your jaw functions more comfortably and efficiently. However, many patients don’t know if this type of treatment is worth the investment in both their time and in their budget. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits of TMJ disorder treatment, and why you won’t regret the results!
What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is the connection between your jawbone and your skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth to eat and speak. Unfortunately, sometimes it can become misaligned or inflamed, resulting in stiffness and pain in the joint itself. It can also cause a variety of other uncomfortable side effects, including frequent migraine headaches, neck and back pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and lockjaw.
What are the Benefits of Treating TMJ Disorder?
Unfortunately, many patients don’t think it’s worth their time and money to treat TMJ disorder, either because they’re hoping it will go away on its own, or they simply don’t know there’s anything that will help. The good news is that relief is possible, as are these amazing benefits:
- Pain relief: Whether you suffer from pain directly at the temporomandibular joint, or it radiates throughout the body, treating the condition can reduce or completely eliminate this discomfort
- Better sleep quality: If your TMJ disorder is literally keeping you up nights, treating it could help you get the rest you deserve. TMJ disorders are notorious for causing sleep disturbances and may even increase your risk of sleep apnea if not treated.
- Fewer dental problems: Treating TMJ disorder can reduce your risk of painful dental problems caused by tooth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching. It can also lower your chances of developing oral health conditions like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease that are related to the condition.
How Does My Dentist Treat TMJ Disorder?
There are several different methods your dentist trusts to treat TMJ disorders, including:
- Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustment: This treatment may involve replacing lost teeth and repairing damaged ones, or even reshaping some to make them fit together better.
- Occlusal splints: This device is worn to bed each night that positions the jaw in the correct placement. With time, the jaw will move into its proper alignment, alleviating the painful side effects of TMJ disorder.
Treatment for your condition will vary depending on a variety of factors including the root cause of your misalignment. Your dentist will determine this and formulate a treatment plan designed for your individual mouth, so you’ll need to schedule a consultation for more details.
Remember, you don’t need to suffer the painful side-effects of TMJ disorder. With the help of your dentist, relief is not only possible, but well worth the time, effort, and cost.
About Dr. Aptaker
Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his master’s degree in biomedical sciences and his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University Dental School). Upon graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. If you are searching for jaw pain relief near Wall Township, schedule a consultation for TMJ Therapy at Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry by visiting our website or calling 732-223-9199.