TMJ Treatment – Fort Mill, SC
Put an End to Your Jaw Pain
When chronic jaw pain goes on for long enough, it does much more than hurt your jaw. You might experience frequent headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, and severe discomfort when chewing. Fortunately, Dr. Priya Chougule can put an end to your jaw pain by treating your jaw joints, also known as your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By addressing your TMJ disorder (TMD), you can enjoy improved oral health and a pain-free jaw once again. Contact us at Southlake Family Dentistry to get started with TMJ treatment in our Fort Mill, SC dental office!
Why Choose Southlake Family Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?
- Mess-Free, Comfortable Digital Impressions for Oral Appliances
- One-on-One, Personalized Approach to Dental Care
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment
The first step in providing the right TMJ treatment is determining the cause of the disorder. Using our highly advanced technology, Dr. Chougule will get a clear picture of your jaw joints and develop a custom treatment plan from there.
TMD can develop for a variety of reasons (such as chronic teeth grinding, bite misalignment, or facial injury), each of which can influence the approach we take to your treatment.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments
If a misaligned bite is to blame for your TMJ dysfunction, then you may benefit from occlusal adjustment, also known as equilibration. To realign your bite and take some strain off of your jaw joints, Dr. Chougule will evaluate your teeth’s resting positions and determine the specific locations where the pressure is unevenly distributed. She can then adjust the surfaces of these teeth or restorations, bringing your bite into harmony and relieving discomfort.
Occlusal Splints
A more conservative option for TMJ treatment is an oral appliance called an occlusal splint. Like a mouthguard, this device is fabricated using impressions we take of your mouth for a custom fit. When you wear the splint to bed, it will cause you to hold your jaw in a more relaxed position, reducing the stress on your TMJ. It will also shield your teeth from the force of nighttime teeth grinding, a common cause AND symptom of TMD.
Botox Treatment
When you think of Botox, chances are you picture facial injections that reduce wrinkles. But did you know that it can also treat TMJ disorder? When injected near your jaw joints, Botox can temporarily paralyze the muscles, particularly the overactive ones that contribute to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Botox injections can also alleviate some other uncomfortable TMD symptoms, such as facial swelling and a feeling that your jaw is locked.