TMJ Treatment

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ, is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is a sliding and rotating hinge joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull, allowing multi-directional movement and support. TMJ disorders can manifest for a variety of reasons, including:
  • Trauma
  • Genetics
  • An improper bite
  • Arthritis
  • Bruxism
  • Congenital jaw structure

Do I Have a TMJ Disorder?

Most sufferers of TMJ disorder experience persistent pain, inflammation, and swelling along your jaw that disrupts your daily activity and wellness. 

 

TMJ disorders are estimated to affect 12-15% of Americans – that’s over 40,000,000 people suffering just like you. We are proud to offer our knowledge, experience, and skill in a calm, patient-focused environment to those with a TMJ disorder in the community of Hartford.

While the severity and root cause of TMJ disorders plays a role in the strength and frequency of symptoms, most sufferers of TMJ report symptoms including:
  • Stiffness and loss of mobility in the jaw
  • Frequent and/or persistent pain
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Frequent headaches

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you may want to schedule an appointment for a professional diagnosis.

Diagnosing TMJ Disorders

The origin of a TMJ disorder can be difficult to pinpoint. We will examine your bite, the muscles you use to chew, observe the function of the joint through a variety of movements, and examine swelling or tenderness in the area. We will work with you to find the root cause of the problem so we can treat you properly.

TMJ Treatment in Hartford, WI

Dentists may treat mild to moderate cases of TMJ with anti-inflammatory medication and a splint or custom mouth guard to reduce grinding of the teeth and tension in the jaw. More severe cases will require further intervention, which can include corrective surgery to improve bite, botox to reduce tension in the muscles around the joint, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (also known as TENS), and other advanced pain alleviating and tension-reducing methods.

 

Drs. Emma and Ryan Dodge are highly skilled at alleviating discomfort caused by TMJ disorders, as well as increasing mobility and restoring function. You don’t have to live with your TMJ disorder. Call today to learn more about TMJ treatments and recovery.

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