TMJ / TMD

Treatment

TMJ / TMD Treatment

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are several issues related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain, discomfort, or a “clicking” sound, you will be glad to know that these problems are more accessible to diagnose and treat than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when your jaw joints and your chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together efficiently. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the name for each joint (right side and left side) that connects your jaw to the skull. Since some TMJ issues can lead to more severe problems, early detection and treatment are vital. With advanced training, Dr. Brian McDowell creates custom orthotics for patients throughout the Fitchburg and surrounding areas.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

A combination of factors like genetics, injury, or arthritis can cause TMJ disorders. Clenching your teeth or grinding your teeth or bruxism can also cause jaw pain or discomfort. These signs can be severe and last many years or be temporary with minor discomfort. In many cases, non-surgical treatment or self-managed care can relieve pain. Patients who don’t respond well to conservative measures may require surgery, but it is typically a last resort.

Common symptoms and signs of TMJ disorder include:

  • Tenderness or discomfort in the face, jaw area, neck, or shoulders when you chew, speak, or open your mouth
  • Clicking or popping sound in your ears when you are opening or closing your mouth
  • Difficulty and discomfort when chewing
  • Jaws that “lock,” making it difficult to open your mouth
  • Headaches

Suppose you can not completely open your jaw without persistent pain or tenderness. In that case, you should be evaluated by a TMJ specialist like the Dr. Brian McDowell at Brian C. McDowell DDS. Our advanced trained doctor will discuss possible treatment plans and causes for the issues you’re experiencing and help alleviate your pain.

Treatment For TMJ

Patients receive a fixed orthotic for temporary wear after an initial exam with our advanced-trained TMJ doctor. Orthotics are non-surgical and made of plastic. TMJ orthotics are adjustable and require weekly adjustments throughout the course of treatment. Orthotic adjustments in our Fitchburg office are comfortable and painless. Patients typically wear temporary TMJ orthotics for six weeks before determining the correct bite. After the final adjustment, patients can explore options for permanent TMJ relief.

After completing orthotic adjustments, many patients report significant or total relief from TMJ pain. Returning the bite to its proper alignment can alleviate TMJ symptoms completely. Depending on the patient, options for treatment may be available. Some patients may gain relief from TMJ symptoms with a custom, removable oral appliance. Other patients may require braces to move teeth into their proper place. More significant adjustments may need crowns for full-mouth rehabilitation.

Schedule A Consultation At Brian McDowell, DDS

Call our TMJ specialist today at (978) 252-2049 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian McDowell. With our advanced training, experience, and leading-edge technology, we help patients with TMJ pain from Fitchburg, Leominster, Westminster, Gardner, Lunenburg and many surrounding areas.