TMJ Disorders
TMJ stands for the temporal-mandibular joint, which is vital in the function and movement of the jaw. Complications in this joint may be caused by misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excessive muscle tension. Problems in the TMJ can cause headaches, earaches, popping of the jaw, pain in the jaw muscles, and soreness in the area that may extend to the face. Dr. Denson has various methods for TMJ treatments, including professional nightguards and laser therapy.
You Might Benefit From A Professional Nightguard If You:
- Wake up from your sleep clenching your teeth
- See small craze lines in your teeth
- Have experienced several cracked teeth
- Have pain in the morning in your jaw
- Have small notches at the gumline of your teeth
- Get headaches and a sore neck regularly
What To Expect
YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
At your first appointment, a TMJ assessment will be performed, checking your range of movement, feeling for tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, and checking for clicking or crepitus (crackling noise) and nerve asymmetry. Since there are many TMJ appliances, careful assessment is necessary to ensure the right appliance is chosen for you. After your assessment, an impression of your teeth is taken with a putty-like material and sent to our laboratory technician to create a strong, durable appliance that lasts for many years.
YOUR SECOND APPOINTMENT
During your second appointment, we will have your new oral appliance ready for you. We will provide instructions on how to place the appliance, as well as take it out and clean it. We will also review the benefits of using the nightguard and the disadvantages of not using it. Be assured, Dr. Denson will have your TMJ therapy in your best interest, and following her instructions should help minimize any symptoms you may be experiencing .
