TMJ DENTAL CARE SERVICES

HOW DO YOU TREAT TMJ PAIN? WHAT IS TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems. The TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Problems in this area can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, headaches, a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open, problems biting, and jaw clicking or popping sounds when you bite. TMJ syndrome can be caused by trauma, disease, wear and tear due to aging, or habits.
Dr. Obernuefemann can discuss TMJ treatments, and show you how to treat TMJ yourself, and if necessary, reccommend further ways to treat TMJ to get you pain free. TMJ dental care is within your reach. Most cases of TMJ syndrome are temporary; thus, treatment is usually conservative. Ways to treat TMJ may be as simple as eating soft foods, avoiding hard, chewy foods, or doing specific exercises to relax your jaw muscles.

If you need to treat TMJ pain more aggressively, Dr. O can fit you with a splint or bite plate. If conservative and noninvasive techniques do not work, you may consider more invasive techniques as treatments for TMJ.

WHAT IS A TMJ SPECIALIST? IS MY DENTIST TMJ SPECIALIST?

Many dentists are qualified to treat TMJ and offer solutions that will work for your budget and offer results in how to treat TMJ pain. When asking what doctor treats TMJ, the first professional that comes to mind is your dentist. They are not labeled a TMJ treatment specialist, but are very knowledgeable in how the function of the jaw, teeth, and muscles work in relation to TMJ. Most cases of TMJ syndrome are temporary; thus, treatment is usually conservative.