TMJ Therapy – East Longmeadow, MA
Get Relief from Your TMJ Disorder
Does your jaw click or pop when you open and close your mouth? Do you live with reoccurring jaw pain or headaches? You might be suffering from a TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint is located on either side of your face and connects your jaw to the skull. It acts as a hinge to allow you to perform everyday tasks, like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Sometimes, the joint can be injured or function incorrectly from stress or inflammation, leading to a TMJ disorder. EMA Dental can help you get the relief you need with TMJ therapy in East Longmeadow.
Diagnosis & Treatment
A TMJ disorder can develop for a variety of reason, such a pressure from grinding your teeth, a poor bite, or a past injury to the joint. No matter the cause, the symptoms can be quite diverse, such as:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sensation when opening and closing the mouth.
- Jaw locking in an opened or closed position.
- Pain, swelling, and tenderness of the jaw or face.
- Neck or shoulder pain.
- Pain in the ears or ringing in the ears.
Besides discussing your symptoms, your dentist in East Longmeadow performs a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of your pain and discomfort. In addition to a visual exam, your dentist also takes digital images to view your oral structures in their entirety. A customized treatment plan is created using the information to give you the relief you need while also improving your jaw’s function.
Equilibration/ Occlusion Adjustments
When an improper bite is the cause of your disorder, simple changes can be made to realign your jaw into a more comfortable position. An impression of your mouth is taken to pinpoint the trouble areas when your mouth is closed. Advanced technology takes the guesswork out of the process to ensure the right areas are reshaped to promote the ideal bite.
The minor dental procedure reshapes the biting surfaces of your back teeth using a fine polishing brush. Your teeth are carefully altered using minor adjustments to make your upper and lower teeth fit together better. This relieves pressure on the joint to stop your pain.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is a noninvasive treatment that involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance. It is a custom orthotic device that is beneficial for treating TMJ while also protecting your teeth from the damages of grinding or clenching them.
The splint is designed from study models of your mouth and made from an acrylic resin material. The splint moves your jaw into a more natural and relaxed position. Over time, it retrains your jaw to rest in that position naturally to give your permanent relief from your symptoms.
Stop Your Jaw Pain Today!
You do not need to live with the pain of a TMJ disorder. You can get the relief you need and improve your quality of life with TMJ therapy. Contact EMA Dental today to schedule your consultation.