TMJ Treatment Q & A

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The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw and skull. They allow you to chew, speak, and shift your jaw comfortably. When the temporomandibular joints become strained, they can cause pain or discomfort. TMJ disorder occurs from wear and tear in the temporomandibular joints or the surrounding muscles. 

TMJ treatment can address problems such as:

• A misaligned bite
• Chronic muscle tension
• Misshapen or displaced cartilage disc
• Damage due to injury

Diagnosing the underlying cause of TMJ is essential to develop the appropriate treatment. At his office, Dr. Molnar offers multiple treatments to relieve your symptoms.

Anybody with TMJ should consider treatment. TMJ can cause pain, joint damage, and muscle tension without proper care, which may diminish your comfort, sleep quality, and overall health. Telltale signs of TMJ include:

• Jaw pain
• Neck or shoulder tension
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
• Limited range of motion in the jaw joint
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
• Tightness or stiffness in your jaw muscles
• Headaches and earaches
• Facial pain or sensitivity
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Pain when chewing, speaking, or yawning
• Facial swelling 
• Facial asymmetry
• Dizziness 

TMJ treatment can offer significant pain relief, improve oral function, and prevent further damage to temporomandibular joints. With decades of dental experience, Dr. Molnar can determine the appropriate treatment to improve your oral health, function, and appearance.

Dr. Molnar offers several nonsurgical TMJ treatments that can effectively restore your oral health and function. First, he performs a comprehensive dental exam that includes digital X-rays to diagnose TMJ and its underlying cause.

If you have TMJ, Dr. Molnar takes digital impressions to create a customized mouth splint. TMJ mouth splints are custom-made devices that your wear while you sleep. They shift your jaw into a more comfortable position to relieve pressure from your temporomandibular joints and prevent friction between your teeth.

Once your mold is finished, you return to Dr. Molnar’s office to try it on. He can make any necessary adjustments to ensure the proper fit.

Other effective TMJ treatments include:

• Relaxation techniques
• Orthodontic treatment to address bite problems
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Additional oral appliances

If nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve your discomfort, Dr. Molnar can refer you to an oral surgeon. Call Michael Molnar, DDS, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.