TMJ Dentist in Groveport OH

A comfortable, functional smile is critical for living a happy, healthy life. When your jaw hurts every time you open, close, or move your mouth, there’s no doubt that the quality of your life is negatively affected. TMD is a common condition that could be to blame for your oral discomfort. Fortunately, managing TMJ pain and preventing it from returning is possible by making certain lifestyle changes and working closely with your dentist. Here’s what you should know about TMJ treatment before scheduling a consultation with the experienced dental team at Walnut Creek Dental East.

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What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is located in your jaw, specifically where your lower jaw meets the base of your skull. This joint is responsible for allowing your jaw to move freely. Unfortunately, since this joint is used so often, developing a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, is relatively common. Many people use the terms “TMJ” and “TMD” interchangeably. 

Common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Hearing a popping or clicking sound when you open your mouth
• Facial pain
• Jaw pain
• Chipped teeth
• Frequent tension headaches or migraines
• Pain when eating

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Even if your TMJ symptoms are more annoying or uncomfortable than severe or unbearable, it’s possible for them to get worse over time. Seeking TMJ treatment from a dental professional sooner than later can help you find relief and prevent your condition from becoming more complicated.

What Causes TMJ/TMD?

No one knows what exactly causes TMJ discomfort. Still, certain risk factors could make you more likely to experience TMJ pain, such as:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
• Injury to your jaw
• Arthritis
• Tightening your jaw muscles 

The good news is that making a few changes to your lifestyle mitigate the need for extensive TMJ treatment like bite correction:

• Chewing on both sides of your mouth when you eat
• Avoiding foods that need to be chewed excessively
• Wear a mouth guard if you’re diagnosed with bruxism
• Don’t put pressure on your jaw by resting your hand under your chin

TMJ Treatment at Walnut Creek Dental

If you experience TMJ pain, it’s possible to alleviate your symptoms at home by taking a few simple steps, such as:

• Resting your jaw as much as you can
• Taking an anti-inflammatory medication
• Alternating cold and warm compresses
• Eating soft foods until your symptoms resolve

If your symptoms get worse or taking these steps doesn’t make a difference, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of the trusted TMJ dentists at Walnut Creek Dental. They can guide you on the best ways to alleviate your symptoms by creating a personalized treatment plan that could include achieving the proper alignment of your bite and/or wearing a custom mouthguard.

TMJ Therapy Cost

The cost of your TMJ therapy will depend on the extensiveness of your treatment and your dental insurance coverage. Please contact our general and family dental office in Groveport to find out what your dental insurance plan includes.

TMJ Treatment at Walnut Creek Dental

If you’re suffering from the negative effects of TMJ pain, finding relief is possible. At Walnut Creek Dental, our compassionate dental team is committed to helping you treat your TMJ symptoms directly at the source. We look forward to helping you find relief and improve your oral health with exceptional dental care, state-of-the-art materials, and a comfortable office environment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can treat your TMJ pain and schedule your consultation with one of our knowledgeable dentists. You deserve to have a healthy, pain-free smile!