TMD therapy relieves pain Columbia, MO
Do you suffer from pain in your jaw joint? Clicking or popping sounds? A feeling that your bite is off? If so, you may be one of the millions that suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD. At the dental practice of Chase Patton, DDS, we offer effective TMD therapy to help get you out of pain and back to your normal life.
What are TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders occur when either your TMJs or the muscles surrounding them become damaged or inflamed. This can happen for several reasons because the TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body: whereas most joints only move in one direction, such as side-to-side, up and down, or back-to-front, the TMJs move in all of these directions! In addition, chewing your food places a large amount of force on the joints with each bite, and if they are out of alignment or irritated, it can become quite painful and affect your quality of life.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Clicking or popping in your jaw
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, neck, ears, or shoulders
- Swelling in your cheeks or jaw area
- The feeling of a locked jaw, either in the open or closed position
- Unexplained headaches
- Inability to open your jaw wide
- The feeling that your bite is “off” or discomfort chewing
TMJ/TMD treatment options
The first step in treating TMD is a thorough evaluation by a qualified provider who can diagnose the condition and identify its underlying cause, which can range from simple habits like chewing gum or bad posture to more advanced issues such as structural problems with the joints. Based on what is causing your symptoms, one or more of the following treatment options may be recommended:
- Lifestyle changes, such as practicing good posture and taking active steps to reduce stress
- Medications to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation and stress
- A custom designed bite splint to wear while you sleep if clenching and grinding your teeth is an issue
- Replacing worn-out dental work and undergoing other restorative or orthodontic treatments to adjust the way your teeth bite together
- Surgery may be recommended if other options have not worked or the underlying cause is due to a physical problem with the joints, such as the existence of scar tissue or the joint itself has worn down
Frequently ask questions about TMD Therapy
What happens if I don’t treat TMJ problems?
Unless the source of your strain and inflammation is addressed, the frequency and severity of your jaw pain and other symptoms can become worse. Depending on the underlying case and nature of your dysfunction, you may also be at risk of joint damage.
Am I a good candidate for oral appliance therapy for TMJD?
A thorough evaluation of your symptoms and a review of your medical history inform Dr. Patton’s recommendations for treatment. In general, you may be able to benefit from OAT for temporomandibular joint problems if sufficient, healthy teeth are present to support your appliance. Additionally, it’s important for your gums to be healthy to ensure the stability of your device. It may be necessary to prioritize other treatments first before moving forward with designing your device.
How are these oral appliances made?
Appliances like occlusal splints are generally made from impressions, which are models of your teeth. Our lab then uses these physical models as a guide to make splints that fit your mouth perfectly. When designed precisely to your “specifications,” these appliances provide optimal jaw stability and support a healthy bite.
When should I notice improvements in my symptoms with OAT?
At first, you may notice excess saliva, especially when taking your splint out of your mouth in the morning. The appliance may also feel overly snug, or there may be a sensation that your teeth don’t fit together right after removing your splint. This is normal during the adjustment period. It’s important to exercise some patience. With consistent use, and as your muscles adapt, you may notice gradual improvements in tension, headaches, stiffness, and pain during the first weeks of wear.
Can some conditions preclude me from OAT?
Aside from the severe tooth- and gum-related problems mentioned above, oral appliances may not be appropriate for your TMJ symptoms if you have severe signs of advanced damage and joint degeneration. Additionally, if symptoms are due to systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to seek appropriate treatment for the underlying disease. As needed, we may discuss alternatives to these devices.
What are some of these treatment alternatives?
Some of these alternatives include other dental treatments, such as orthodontics like Invisalign®, to reduce the strain that is placed on your joints and surrounding tissues due to bite imbalances. Since old or worn dental crowns and restorations can cause imbalances in your bite, Dr. Patton may recommend their replacement. Simple lifestyle changes can also make a tremendous difference; for instance, practicing good posture or addressing a heavy chewing gum habit. Exercises to strengthen the muscles and relaxation practices to ease tension can also help. Dr. Patton even has the training to provide Botox® for TMJDs. The same muscle-relaxing treatment for wrinkles can also be used to relax overactive muscles that contribute to TMJ symptoms.
What factors do you consider before recommending treatment options?
Dr. Patton considers your symptoms and the findings from an exam and bite analysis. X-rays and other imaging may also be used to assess your oral health, including the health of your teeth and gums, as well as the joints and the soft tissues that surround them. We prioritize conservative therapies and may also prescribe medications to help with symptom relief in the short term. Over the longer term, the other treatments mentioned here can reduce or even eliminate your need for pain medication.
TMD pain relief is a phone call away
If you have one or more symptoms of TMD but have been discouraged by other dentists or doctors who cannot diagnose the underlying cause, Dr. Chase Patton is here to help you determine the source of your pain and provide recommendations for relief. To schedule a consultation and evaluation, call our Columbia, MO dental practice today at (573) 875-7040.
Dr. Chase Patton is a highly skilled dentist passionate about improving patients' physical and mental health through comprehensive dental care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Dr. Patton has advanced training in oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry, receiving accolades such as the American Academy of Orofacial Pain Award. His commitment to continued education at the prestigious Pankey Institute reflects his dedication to providing exceptional care with skill, expertise, and trustworthiness.
