If you suffer from TMJ problems, you don’t need to be told about the painful repercussions of a bad bite or persistent grinding or clenching of teeth. If you’ve been experiencing pain in the joints directly in front of the ear, you should make an appointment to visit Dentistry of Wisconsin. We can help diagnose TMJ disorder and provide therapy.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joints located directly in front of each ear. Dentists see many problems in these joints due to overworked muscles that control the jaw. If you clench or grind your teeth or have a poor bite, you may experience a sharp pain, or pain that feels like an earache. You may also have problems with muscle spasms in your neck, shoulders, and back. At Dentistry of Wisconsin, we have seen many cases and can provide effective dental services that will correct the issues causing TMJ-related pain.
Treating TMJ Disorder
If you think you have a problem with TMJ disorder, the first thing you should do is call us, because the damage to the joints can be permanent if they're not treated properly. Come in to our office to see our dentists so you can get the proper diagnosis. If you do have TMJ-related issues, we’ll be able to fit you with an appliance to wear over your teeth that will allow the muscles to relax and the symptoms to recede. Let us find out what’s causing your pain and discomfort. We will help you get on the road to recovery!
Get the Relief You Need
TMJ pain is not something to be ignored. Dr. Metzger, Dr. Werner, and Dr. Truckenbrod will make you feel better! With dental offices in Beaver Dam and Waupun, WI, we’re happy to welcome patients from the greater Columbus, WI area and beyond. Please contact us today if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule a first appointment.
TMJ FAQs
Can TMD Be Permanently Cured?
Discomfort associated with TMJ disorder can sometimes go away on its own overtime. However, if your symptoms are starting to impact your everyday life, it is worthwhile to visit a professional for treatment. Customized TMJ oral appliances are designed to permanently address jaw tension, jaw misalignment, and other underlying causes of TMD, ultimately resulting in lasting relief.
How Long Does It Take for TMJ Oral Appliances to Work?
TMJ oral appliances are typically worn during sleep at night. You may notice that your symptoms start to reduce very quickly, but they won’t disappear all at once. It takes time for your TMJs and the areas around your jaws to adjust their new, ideal positions. After six weeks, most patients experience noticeable improvement, but not full relief of their symptoms. It generally takes between three and six months for a TMJ oral appliance to resolve TMD discomfort. Everyone is different, so recovery time can vary from person to person.
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes! The Natural Institutes of Health actually recommends using the most conservative methods possible for treatment TMJ disorder. When it comes to treating TMD, less is more! Surgery involves making permanent changes to the jaw and nearby anatomy, and it is usually only ever suggested as a last resort. In most cases, TMD can be treated with less invasive methods. In addition to at-home methods, like stress relief, TMD can be alleviated with a TMJ oral appliance.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
As long as it is performed by a qualified professional, TMJ treatment is completely safe. It is usually recommended to treat TMJ disorder with as minimally invasive and conservative methods as possible. That’s why your dentist will typically suggest several possibilities for treatment before undergoing surgery, which always comes with some risks. TMJ oral appliances have been proved to be overwhelmingly safe for addressing TMD.
