TMJ Therapy in Orlando, FL

The TMJ (temporomandibular joints) are the areas where your jaw connects to your skull to allow you to open your mouth easily. Sometimes the temporomandibular joints are injured or damaged, causing a painful condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). If you are experiencing TMJ pain or hearing noises when you move your jaw, schedule a consultation with general dentist Dr. Patricia Roach to determine if you have TMD and get the relief you need. At our full-service practice, Orlando Advanced Dentists in Orlando, FL, Dr. Roach uses advanced equipment to assess and treat your TMD to alleviate painful or uncomfortable symptoms. Your TMJ treatment will be based on the cause of your TMD and your specific condition, but some options include oral appliances (mouth or night guards), BOTOX®, bite alteration, dental restorations, and more. BOTOX is showing to be particularly helpful at relieving TMJ pain and symptoms for many patients.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction could be brought about by a single injury to the jaw, chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism), or dental malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). Medical conditions that can result in TMD include a tumor or arthritis in the temporomandibular joint. In some cases, the reason behind TMD cannot be determined, but if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of the condition, Dr. Roach can still diagnose and treat your jaw condition. A few of the most common symptoms of TMD are pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, spasms in your facial muscles, feeling as though your jaw is stiff or stuck, and headaches that start around your ears. Another frequent symptom is hearing cracking, clicking, or popping whenever you use your jaw.

To help diagnose temporomandibular dysfunction and provide TMJ relief, Dr. Roach will carefully listen to and understand your concerns before performing a physical examination. During the exam, she will assess the movement of your jaw and search for indicators of misalignment, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding. She will also palpate the jaw joint and surrounding area for any tenderness and inflammation. Dr. Roach may request digital x-rays of your lower face or a bite analysis to look for underlying causes that will help determine your treatment method. Based on her exam findings, she will present your treatment options for care that might include night guard therapy, BOTOX, bite adjustment, or palliative care. In some cases, orthodontics or restorative dentistry may be recommended to take pressure off of the jaw joints by improving tooth alignment or functionality.

Along with procedures to address the underlying cause of your temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Dr. Roach can recommend other strategies to alleviate TMJ pain and other symptoms at home. This includes a soft food diet, avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails, hot or cold compresses on your jaw, and relaxation techniques. Dr. Roach can also give you exercises to strengthen your jaw or prescribe medicine to relax your facial muscles (and to alleviate pain, anxiety, or inflammation).

During and after your jaw joint treatment, it is important to attend follow-up visits so Dr. Roach can check the progress of your TMJ therapy. Certain treatments, like BOTOX, may require additional applications to fully address your condition. If your treatment is not as effective as desired, she may look at a different approach or partner with an oral surgeon to explore further treatment options. Once your TMD is fully treated, you should still schedule annual dental exams and biannual dental cleanings at Orlando Advanced Dentists to keep your jaw and teeth healthy.

Pain in your jaw makes it hard to chew, speak, and enjoy your everyday life. Since there are many possible causes, symptoms, and solutions for TMD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Roach at our full-service dental practice in Orlando, FL. She will give you a thorough examination before diagnosing your condition and discussing whether night guard therapy, BOTOX, or other treatment options are ideal for your needs. Contact the team at Orlando Advanced Dentists for more information on relief from TMD pain and to schedule your visit.