Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth comfortably? These could be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition that affects the joints connecting your jaw to your skull. At Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV, Dr. Alison Defilippi and Dr. Whitney Bryant specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, providing relief from symptoms and helping you enjoy a pain-free, healthy jaw. Our practice uses a gentle, personalized approach to TMJ care, addressing the root of the problem and supporting long-term comfort and function.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, or TMD, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints, which are located on each side of your jaw. These joints enable you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. When there’s dysfunction in the joints, you may experience pain, limited jaw movement, and other discomforts. TMJ disorder can be caused by a range of factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, jaw injury, arthritis, or misalignment.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder presents a variety of symptoms that can make daily activities difficult or painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, TMJ treatment could help:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
- Frequent headaches or neck pain
- Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears
These symptoms may vary in severity and can sometimes come and go. Dr. Defilippi and Dr. Bryant can assess your jaw and discuss a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and improve your jaw function.
TMJ Treatment Options at Dr. Teeth
We offer a variety of TMJ treatments designed to address both the symptoms and causes of TMJ disorder:
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Custom Oral Appliances: One of the most effective non-surgical options for TMJ treatment is a custom-made oral appliance, often called a night guard or splint. You can wear these appliances over the teeth to help reduce pressure on the jaw joints and prevent teeth grinding. This can contribute to TMJ pain. Custom appliances fit your bite precisely, offering a comfortable, protective solution for nighttime or daytime use.
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Bite Adjustment Therapy: If your TMJ disorder is caused by an uneven bite, bite adjustment therapy can help. This treatment involves gently reshaping certain teeth to improve the way your teeth come together, reducing strain on the jaw joints. Bite adjustments are carefully planned to achieve a balanced, comfortable bite that relieves jaw tension.
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Stress-Relief Techniques: Stress is a common contributor to TMJ pain, especially for those who clench or grind their teeth when tense. Dr. Defilippi and Dr. Bryant can discuss stress-relief techniques to help reduce jaw tension, including jaw exercises, mindful relaxation practices, and techniques to minimize the impact of stress on your TMJ.
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Laser Therapy: Our practice offers laser therapy for TMJ pain relief, a minimally invasive option that helps reduce inflammation and relieve muscle tension around the jaw. Laser therapy can also improve circulation in the joint area, promoting faster healing and long-lasting comfort.
Preventing TMJ Pain
While some TMJ factors are out of our control, certain habits can help prevent or reduce TMJ pain. Regularly stretching and relaxing your jaw, avoiding excessive gum chewing, and paying attention to stress levels can all contribute to jaw comfort. If you clench or grind your teeth, wearing a custom mouthguard can prevent these habits from leading to jaw strain.