Ease Your Jaw Pain at Brown and Baran Family Dentistry
If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), you may be wondering what treatment will work best for you. For temporomandibular disorders, there are various treatment options to consider, both non-surgical and surgical. To find the best treatment for you, contact our Wilmington and Seaford, DE, dentists today by calling our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to schedule a TMJ consultation.
What Are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders or TMD) affect the joints connecting your jawbone (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone). These joints, located near your ears, enable essential jaw movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When these joints or surrounding muscles experience dysfunction, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Jaw Pain: Discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders.
- TMJ Symptoms: Clicking or popping sounds, jaw stiffness, or limited jaw movement.
- Facial Pain: Chronic pain around the jaw joints.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Bruxism can exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
- Headaches and Earaches: Often linked to jaw joint strain.
Holistic and Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment Options
For most patients, non-surgical solutions provide significant relief from TMD symptoms. At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, we want our patients to learn about the several effective options, including:
Occlusal Splints
Custom-fitted occlusal splints are among the most effective treatments for TMJ disorders. These oral appliances:
- Reposition the jaw to reduce TMJ strain.
- Protect teeth from grinding damage.
- Provide lasting relief from jaw pain and headaches.
Contact Brown and Baran Family Dentistry at (302) 999-7600 (Wilmington dental office) or at (302) 536-7589 (Seaford dental office) to learn more about this TMJ treatment!
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can strengthen jaw muscles, improve mobility, and alleviate TMJ pain. Exercises may focus on stretching and relaxing the muscles controlling jaw movement, promoting overall joint health.
Lifestyle Changes
You may find relief from TMJ pain with lifestyle changes such as:
- Diet Adjustments: Eat soft foods to reduce jaw strain.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to ease tension.
- Sleep Hygiene: Avoid teeth grinding with a nightguard and prioritize quality sleep.
Alternative Therapies
Other alternative therapies can help alleviate TMJ pain, including:
- Acupuncture: Helps reduce inflammation and chronic pain.
- Massage Therapy: Relieves muscle tension and promotes relaxation.
- Essential Oils: Peppermint and lavender can alleviate pain and inflammation when applied topically.
When Surgery for TMD Is Necessary
While surgery is typically a last resort, it may be necessary for severe cases of TMJ dysfunction, such as advanced joint damage or dislocated discs. Surgical options include:
Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure to flush out debris and inflammatory substances from the joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
TMJ Arthroscopy
Using a small camera and instruments, the TMJ arthroscopy procedure diagnoses and treats joint problems, such as inflamed tissue or torn discs.
Open Joint Surgery
Reserved for severe cases, the open joint surgery procedure repairs or replaces damaged joint tissues to restore function and alleviate pain.
Total Joint Replacement
For advanced conditions, total joint replacement may be recommended. The procedure replaces the entire joint with an artificial one to improve movement and reduce discomfort.
Advanced TMJ Treatment Options We Provide
At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, our Wilmington and Seaford offices offer comprehensive care tailored to your needs:
- Permanent Relief with Occlusal Splints: Reduce TMJ strain and prevent teeth grinding.
- Restorative Dentistry: Replace missing teeth with dental implants or bridges for a healthier bite.
- Dental Crowns for Bite Alignment: Distribute pressure evenly across your teeth.
Managing TMJ Pain at Home
Simple at-home remedies can complement your professional treatment plan:
- Warm and Cold Compresses: Use warm compresses to relax muscles and cold packs to reduce swelling.
- Stress Reduction: Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine.
- Postural Awareness: Maintain good posture to minimize jaw strain.
- Avoid Overuse: Limit gum chewing, nail biting, and excessive jaw movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress, teeth grinding, poor posture, or excessive jaw movement can trigger TMJ symptoms. Dietary changes and hormonal fluctuations may also contribute to TMJ flare-ups.
Like any surgery, TMD surgery comes with certain risks. These may include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, or harm to nearby tissues. Your healthcare provider will explain these risks and take measures to minimize them. It’s important to follow all pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions to lower the chances of complications.
Preparing for TMD surgery varies based on the procedure. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, which may include fasting and medication guidelines. You might need to arrange transportation to and from the hospital and plan for some time off work or other duties to ensure proper recovery from jaw surgery.
Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
Don’t let TMJ symptoms control your life. Contact Brown and Baran Family Dentistry to explore your TMJ treatment options. Call (302) 999-7600 (Wilmington) or (302) 536-7589 (Seaford) to schedule your consultation.
We proudly serve Wilmington, Seaford, and the surrounding Delaware communities. Let us help you achieve lasting relief from jaw pain and enjoy improved quality of life.
