Dental Plans - In Your Local Area
Northland Dental
Appointments: (816) 436-2760
Mark Mancin D.D.S.
Northland Dental
7229 North Oak Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64118
More TMJ Dentists in the Kansas City, MO Area Near You
Cape Endodontics
53 Doctors Park
Cape Girardeau, MO, 63703-4927
Northwest Endodontics
803 N 36th St # C
St Joseph, MO, 64506-3091
Doctor - Activate Your Free 1stTMJDentist Directory Listing
Clarke, Charles D.D.S.
4121 Union Rd # 215
St Louis, MO, 63129-1070
Advanced Endodontics
8361 N Congress Ave
Kansas City, MO, 64152-2041
TMJ Treatment
There are a range of TMJ treatment available for people suffering from jaw pain caused by TMJ disorder. TMJ dentists recommend starting with the simplest treatment options first.
TMJ pain can often be relieved with some simple TMJ exercises to stretch and loosen the jaw muscles. Other things that can help include anti-inflammatory medicines (like Tylenol or Advil), moist heat packs, avoiding hard or chewy foods, or physical therapy.
Treatment for TMJ disorders may include a TMJ mouth guard (also known as a night guard or bite plate) or a TMJ splint. These dental appliances fit into your mouth like an orthodontic retainer or athletic mouth guard, and they hold your teeth apart while you sleep to relieve stress and tension.
A bad bite can cause TMJ pain. If you have crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend orthodontic braces to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. Worn-down teeth or dental work may require some reconstructive dentistry.
TMJ surgery is the jaw treatment of last resort. Your TMJ dentist or TMJ physician can refer you to a TMJ specialist, like an oral surgeon experienced in jaw surgery. There are different TMJ surgeries available; a TMJ surgeon can help you decide if one might be right for you. However, it's essential that you try less invasive, reversible treatments for TMJ first!
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
A tooth that aches in the morning can result from teeth grinding during sleep. Teeth clenching can usually be treated. Are you troubled by a jaw popping or jaw clicking sensation, or jaw pain when you eat? You may be suffering from a dental problem that has nothing to do with teeth or gums. We call it TMJ disorder.
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge attaching your jaw to your skull. Temporomandibular Joint syndrome usually means that there's a misalignment within the network of muscles, bones, and joints that make up this hinge. When your hinge isn't coming together as it should, the jawbone grates on sensitive tissues and other bones. Sometimes the pain can be intense and cause a migraine headache. Sometimes the jaw popping is merely annoying.
Regardless of pain level, you should be concerned. It's important to have a thorough evaluation, before permanent damage is done, especially since TMJ syndrome can often mimic symptoms of other medical problems (sinus infections especially) and escape identification.
Every TMJ case is unique. But your dentist probably has plenty of experience treating this common disorder. His or her response may be minor tooth reshaping, mouth splints, or possibly muscle relaxants. Sometimes a simple massage is effective to control pain. Only in rare cases is there a need for surgery to correct TMJ disorder.
If you feel you're experiencing symptoms of TMJ syndrome, please call your dentist immediately. He or she can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend corrective measures, before the problem escalates.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
