TMJ Therapy – Jacksonville, FL
Lasting Relief from Jaw & Head Pain
Your mouth, head, and neck are all one interconnected system of muscles, bones, and nerves, and if any one element is off, it can cause pain that can manifest in multiple ways. For many people, chronic jaw and head pain stem from a strained or injured jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Our team is able to treat this kind of problem directly with TMJ therapy in our Jacksonville, FL dental office, which can provide lasting relief while also improving someone’s oral function for a lifetime to come.
Why Choose Jacksonville Dental Excellence for TMJ Therapy?
- Proven Solutions for Headaches/Migraines
- Custom-Made Oral Appliances for Each Patient
- Treatments Designed Using State-of-the-Art Technology
Diagnosis & Treatment
A TMJ disorder (TMD) can be brought on by many factors, including stress, teeth grinding, a crooked bite, and arthritis. The source of the problem will help determine the best course of treatment, so we start the process by closely examining the joint, testing its mobility, and taking X-rays. Once we find the source of the dysfunction, we can outline a patient’s treatment options.
Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustments
If the teeth do not come together correctly when the mouth is closed, this can place excess pressure on the TMJ, causing the nearby muscles to overwork, tire, and become sore. To fix this, we can measure someone’s bite, find the areas where the balance is off between the teeth, and slightly adjust them so that the pressure is even across both dental arches. This will make the symptoms go away on their own and not come back.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is a type of custom-made mouthpiece that is worn to bed, and it helps those dealing with TMD by slightly adjusting the lower jaw forward. This helps the muscles relax and heal, plus it can provide a barrier between the teeth to prevent grinding. For some patients, this enables their jaw to adapt and learn to stay in this new position, leading to the complete abatement of pain and stiffness. For others, they will need to wear the splint indefinitely to keep experiencing relief.