How to Tell if You Need TMJ Therapy

Your jaw helps you do many things, like eat, talk, and open and close your mouth. In order to open and close your mouth, you rely on a part of your jaw called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is where your jaw connects to your skull. If this joint becomes injured or damaged, it can lead to a painful and frustrating condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). At Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA in Melbourne, FL, Dr. Sangiv I. Patel treats TMD using TMJ therapy – a combination of the most advanced techniques to relieve your jaw pain quickly and effectively.

What causes temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular joint disorder is common, and there are also many reasons you might experience jaw pain. TMD may be a result of arthritis, genetics, an injury, or a combination of these factors. Sometimes, people who grind or clench their teeth (called bruxism) go on to develop TMD, but not always.

In most cases, TMJ pain is temporary. With the right care and nonsurgical treatments, it can be relieved quickly and effectively.

How can temporomandibular joint (TMJ) therapy ease TMJ pain?

Pain in your jaw and TMD is frustrating and can severely impact your life. Fortunately, there’s a solution – TMJ therapy. At his practice in Melbourne, FL, Dr. Patel uses the latest tools and technology to diagnose, treat, and ease pain using TMJ therapy.

Dr. Patel starts by identifying the cause of your pain. To do this, he will see how your jaw moves and look for signs of misalignment, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching. He will also check your jawbone and surrounding areas for inflammation or tenderness. Dr. Patel will use advanced tools to help diagnose your TMD, such as a Join Vibration Analysis (JVA), which analyzes the sounds of your joints, or electromyography (EMG), which looks at muscle activity.

Depending on the cause(s) of your pain, your TMJ therapy might include treatments, such as:

• Oral appliances (mouth or night guards)

• Bite modification

• Dental restoration

In some cases, you may benefit from a combination of multiple treatments to best treat your jaw pain.

How do I know if I need TMJ therapy?

While there are many causes of TMD, the pain can still be severe and constant. Whether you are experiencing jaw pain due to an injury, arthritis, or other reason, Dr. Patel can diagnose and treat your TMD using TMJ therapy.

Signs of temporomandibular joint disorder include:

• Pain or tenderness in your jaw

• Pain in your temporomandibular joint

• Pain or aching around your ear

• Pain or difficulty chewing

• Spasms in your facial muscles

• Stiffness in your jaw

• Cracking, clicking, or popping of your jaw

• Locking of the joint, which makes it difficult to open and close your jaw

If you’re experiencing jaw pain from TMD, you deserve to feel relief from the pain. Whether your symptoms are small and annoying, or severe and constant, Dr. Patel can help ease pain and get you back to enjoying your life.

Experience relief from TMD with TMJ therapy in Melbourne, FL

Jaw pain is no joke. It can lead to sleepless nights, trouble eating, and an overall disruption to your everyday life. At Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA in Melbourne, FL, Dr. Sangiv I. Patel is committed to helping patients experience relief from TMD and jaw pain. No matter your cause, and no matter your level of symptoms, TMJ therapy can help you return to your life without jaw pain. Request an appointment to learn more about TMJ therapy today.