What is TMJ therapy?
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the spot where your jaw connects to your skull to enable you to open and close your jaw easily. Sometimes the temporomandibular joint is injured or damaged, resulting in a painful condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). If you're experiencing pain or hearing sounds when you move your jaw, then schedule a consultation with leading Las Vegas dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi to see if you have TMD. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV, Dr. Tozzi utilizes innovative equipment to examine and care for your TMD to relieve painful symptoms. Your TMJ therapy will be dependent on the cause of your TMD and your particular condition, but some options are oral appliances (mouth or night guards), bite adjustment, dental restorations, and more.
TMJ Therapy Reviews
What are the benefits of TMJ Therapy?
TMJ therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It helps to alleviate pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Secondly, TMJ therapy improves jaw function and restores proper alignment. It can address issues such as jaw clicking or popping, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and problems with biting or chewing. By promoting optimal jaw movement and alignment, TMJ therapy enables individuals to speak, eat, and yawn without discomfort or limitations. Moreover, it can enhance overall oral health by reducing the risk of teeth grinding or clenching, which can cause dental damage.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR tmj therapy?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction might be caused by a single injury to the jaw, chronic jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), or misalignment of the teeth (dental malocclusion). Other conditions that may lead to TMD include a tumor in the temporomandibular joint or arthritis. A few of the most typical signs of TMD are pain or tenderness at the jaw joint, involuntary contractions in your face muscles, feeling like your jaw is stiff or stuck, and frequent headaches that start around your ears. Another sign is hearing cracking, clicking, or popping when you use your jaw.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING tmj/tmd treatment
To diagnose temporomandibular joint disorder, Dr. Tozzi will carefully listen and understand your concerns prior to a physical exam. Throughout the exam, she will evaluate how your jaw moves and look for signs of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and misalignment. She will also feel the jaw joint and lower face for any tenderness and inflammation. Dr. Tozzi might request digital images of your lower head along with an analysis of your bite to determine the best treatment method. Based on the exam, she will go over your treatment options that could include BOTOX® or Dysport® muscle-relaxing injectables or laser therapy. If these treatments are not effective, Dr. Tozzi may recommend a dental appliance, teeth straightening, or restorative dentistry (crowns or bridges).
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER TMJ/TMD TREATMENT?
Along with treatments to address the underlying cause of your temporomandibular joint disorder, Dr. Tozzi can suggest different strategies to relieve pain and other problems at home. This may include eating softer foods, avoiding biting your nails or chewing gum, heat packs on your jaw, and relaxation methods. Dr. Tozzi may also give you exercises to strengthen your jaw or prescribe medication to relax your muscles (and to relieve pain, anxiety, or even inflammation).
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled accordingly so Dr. Tozzi can check the results from your TMJ treatment. If your therapy is not working, she may consider another strategy. It's also important to keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings to maintain your oral health.
IS TMJ/TMD TREATMENT COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
Dental insurance coverage for TMD diagnosis and treatments will vary so we'll contact your provider to calculate your personal expenses. Whether you do or don't have dental insurance, Dr. Tozzi will go over cost estimates when reviewing your treatment options. To help make all treatments more affordable, Michaela Tozzi, DMD accepts many payment methods and we will be able to help you find medical financing.
TMJ FAQs
Where does TMJ come from?
A variety of environmental and genetic factors can contribute to the rise of TMJ. Clenching your jaw (bruxism), genetic inheritance, and poor posture all have the potential to lead to TMJ. At Micaela Tozzi, DMD, we will likely be able to determine the cause of your TMJ in your consultation appointment.
How long will TMJ therapy take?
The severity of your case may impact the length of your therapy. Mild to moderate cases may resolve more quickly than severe ones. We will provide an estimate of treatment length and TMJ severity in your consultation as well.
Does TMJ cause headaches/migraines?
We often find that our Las Vegas, NV patients correlate their headaches and migraines with their TMJ symptoms. It can also cause chronic inflammation and pain around your cheekbone and ear areas. If you notice these symptoms, you may wish to consult with Dr. Tozzi to get a diagnosis and move towards healing.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
Diagnosis of TMJ disorders often involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs. A healthcare provider will typically assess jaw movement, listen for joint sounds, and may also identify any underlying issues like arthritis or injury.
What are common symptoms of TMJ disorders?
Common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, difficulty or pain while chewing, and a clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw. Some people also experience earaches and dizziness, though these symptoms can be less common.
Is TMJ Therapy permanent?
The efficacy of TMJ Therapy varies from person to person and depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. While some people find long-term relief from a single course of treatment, others may need ongoing care or lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms effectively.
get the care you need
Pain in your jaw makes it difficult to chew, speak, and enjoy your everyday life. Since there are many potential causes, symptoms, and remedies for TMD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tozzi. She will perform a detailed exam prior to your diagnosis and talk about all of your treatment options. Get in touch with our Las Vegas team at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV to get more information. We look forward to serving you and providing you with the relief you deserve.
