TMJ Disorders Treatment in Plantsville

Jaw Pain/TMJ

If your jaw aches or gets stuck when you open your mouth wide, you may have a jaw disorder. Unfortunately, many adults go several years without seeking treatment for jaw pain, not knowing that they have treatment options, and not knowing that this condition may worsen over time.

You Have Options

Dr. Salesky assesses temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and makes appropriate appliances, as well as recommends medication and palliative care. Surgery is almost never done today, and tmj surgery is even less common, even by oral surgeons.

If you have a concern about dental pain or pain in your jaw, find TMJ relief at our dental office in Plantsville by calling (860) 628-5029. We serve patients in Bristol, Southington, Plainville, Wolcott and nearby!

Jaw Disorder & TMD Symptoms

If you’ve ever gone to the doctor for headaches or neck pain and received care that provided only temporary relief, the unknown source of your symptoms may lay closer to your smile than you think. Have you experienced:

• chronic or recurring headaches or neck aches?
• pain or tingling sensations throughout the arms or hands?
• a jaw that locks or “gets stuck” when you yawn or open the mouth?
• general soreness in the jaw or sensitive teeth?

It May Be The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

TMJ pain, known clinically as TMJ disorder (TMD) is one of the most common chronic and debilitating disorders in the jaw. If your jaw is sore, gets stuck often, or “pops” when you open or close the mouth, it could be an issue in your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.

What is TMJ?

The TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the skull, and controls your chewing and speaking abilities. The symptoms of tmj (including headaches, neck aches and even tooth sensitivity) commonly appear in those suffering from this disorder, in addition to the complications of constant jaw clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth.

Your TMD Treatment Options

Every patient is different. Some TMD and TMJ treatments are as simple as muscle relaxants and aspirin, while others include biofeedback or wearing a small plastic appliance in the mouth during sleep. Correcting TMJ is a process of rehabilitation, and we encourage you to make a call to schedule a visit where your dentist serving Southington, Plantsville and Bristol can provide the best solutions.

Do You KNOW You Grind Your Teeth?

Not many people realize they grind their teeth at night; however, if you have noticed increasing tooth sensitivity to consuming hot or cold foods you may benefit from a trip to your local dentist. Teeth grinding is a serious condition that can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structure in the mouth.

• Do your teeth appear worn down or smaller?
• Does drinking hot or cold liquids cause tooth pain?
• Are your teeth sensitive to temperature changes in the air?
• Do you wake up with tired or sore jaw muscles?

Teeth grinding can keep you up at night, but it doesn’t have to run your life. Ask us for a consultation! Even a simple mouthguard or nightguard can make all the difference in keeping your teeth healthy and strong and you safely relaxed for a good night’s sleep.

Nightguards For TMJ

Nightguards are often one of the best ways to treat TMJ disorder, particularly in patients who may be grinding their teeth. The way it works is simple. You’ll come into Southington Dentistry, and Dr. Salesky will take impressions of your teeth to make a custom-fitted nightguard for your mouth.

Your nightguard will fit comfortably in your mouth, and you’ll wear it whenever you sleep at night. The device is shaped to relieve pressure on your jaw and shift it into a healthier position, which helps encourage healing.

Everyone’s case of TMJ is different, so a nightguard may not always be the best option for you. But for most patients, nightguards are the simplest, easiest, and best option for resolving minor-to-moderate cases of TMJ.

For more serious cases, alternative treatments may need to be explored, such as orthodontics and bite adjustments to correct the bite and position of the teeth. For more information and to explore your options for treatment, you should see Dr. Salesky at Southington Dentistry.

The Benefits Of TMJ Treatment With A Nightguard

Why choose TMJ treatment with a nightguard from Southington Dentistry? Here are just a few benefits of this treatment.

• Reduce your discomfort and heal more quickly – A nightguard can provide you with relief from the pain and discomfort of TMJ, and reduce symptoms like headaches, a sore and stiff jaw, and difficulty chewing.
• Works with medication – Nightguards can also be used alongside TMJ medications like muscle relaxants and pain relievers, which ensures you get the relief you need from the pain and discomfort of your condition.
• Comfortable and easy to wear – Your nightguard will be custom-fitted to your mouth by Dr. Salesky, so it will be comfortable and easy to wear. Just pop it in at night before you go to sleep, then remove it and clean it in the morning after you brush your teeth. That’s all there is to it!
• Protects against grinding – Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a major contributing factor to TMJ/TMD, so nightguards serve a dual purpose by reducing teeth grinding, and preventing problems like premature tooth wear and tooth cracking caused by prolonged, extensive teeth grinding.
• Great results when paired with lifestyle changes – Nightguards are particularly effective when you also make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding chewing gum, eating a soft diet for a few weeks, and avoiding stress that may cause you to grind your teeth.
• Affordable treatment – Nightguards and splints for TMJ are usually covered under most dental plans, and even if you don’t have dental insurance, the treatment is affordable, and each nightguard will last a long time with proper care and maintenance. This makes it a cost-effective option for TMJ relief.

Don’t wait on restorative dental care. Dr. Salesky performs gentle dentistry in Southington and looks forward to providing you with conservative and reliable options at your next visit. Call us at (860) 628-5029 today!