TMJ disorder is often used to describe chronic discomfort, pain, or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints that hinge your jaw. Common symptoms include discomfort or a dull ache in front of the ears or temple. This might also be accompanied by a clicking sensation in the joint or discomfort when biting down hard.
Professional diagnosis at H.T. Macon Sapp, DDS can help develop an effective treatment plan to reduce your TMJ disorder symptoms.
Dr. Sapp and Dr. Sapp often start with suggesting simple lifestyle modifications such as eating softer foods, applying ice packs, and performing some basic jaw stretching exercises. If it’s warranted they might also advocate taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medications.
If your TMJ disorder symptoms are related to chronic night grinding, our dentists might recommend sleeping with a quality dental guard in your mouth. This simple mouthpiece can help cushion the relationship between both sets of your teeth. It can also allow a little slip during the unconscious grinding to reduce tension in the muscles and ligaments of the temporomandibular joints.
If these lifestyle modifications fail to provide significant relief, our dentists might advocate more advanced treatment methods. This could call for the use of prescription anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxers.
If you still don’t find symptom relief, Drs. Sapp and Sapp might discuss more invasive treatment methods such as acupuncture, a stabilization splint, or surgical intervention.
If you live in the Durham, North Carolina, area and you’ve been struggling with TMJ discomfort, you should call 919-489-9171 to schedule an appointment at H.T. Macon Sapp, DDS.