The TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which acts like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMD is temporary and can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments.
Dr. Austin Westover has completed a mini-residency at the Center for Occlusal Studies in the treatment of TMJ and Craniofacial Pain. He has helped many patients find relief from TMJ discomfort. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, Dr. Westover would be happy to speak with you about available treatments:
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Pain in the jaw joints
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Locking of the jaw joint or limitation in the ability to open the mouth
- Soreness in facial muscles, especially in the morning
- Clenching or grinding of teeth (bruxism)
- Soreness of teeth, most apparent in the morning
- Earaches
- Unexplained ringing in the ears or a feeling of fullness
- Frequent headaches
- Neck and back pain
TMJ Treatment Options
After identifying the cause of your symptoms, the dentist will explain the best treatment options for your needs. Depending on the severity of TMJ discomfort, the following treatment options may be recommended:
- Oral Splints – Typically used in cases of trauma to stabilize the jaw.
- Oral Orthotics – A custom mouthpiece worn over the teeth to reposition the jaw into a more comfortable position.
- ULF TENS (Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation) – A physical therapy device to treat facial and joint muscular pain.
- Physical Therapy – Exercises and techniques to strengthen and relax the muscles in the jaw.
- Inflammatory Reduction Dietary Counseling – Advice on foods to help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Injections – Medications administered into affected areas to help break the pain cycle.
- Osteopathic/Cranial Manipulations – Hands-on techniques to alleviate discomfort.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) – Used to relax tense muscles and reduce symptoms.
Once a comfortable jaw position is achieved, various options are available to help reposition the teeth and maintain the joints in this new, comfortable position.
For more information on the best treatment options for your TMJ symptoms, contact Charles Town Family Dentistry. Schedule an appointment or call 681-77-SMILE (681-777-6453). Dr. Austin and his team look forward to meeting you and helping you find relief!
