San Diego Cosmetic Dentist - Dr. James Loye DDS

Throbbing jaw pain, chronic migraines, popping of the jaw joint – all classic symptoms shared with over ten million other American dental patients. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a neuromuscular dental disorder involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ is a complex joint that enables your jaw to slide back and forth and chew up and down. When the joint or it’s supporting muscles and ligaments are inflamed or out of alignment, the patient can experience everything from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.

Treatment
Alleviating bad habits can eliminate some discomfort of TMD. Some of the following self-care tips can help symptoms completely disappear:

• Change in eating habits – no hard, sticky or large portioned foods that force the jaw to widen or bite down hard
• Eating softer foods
• A routine of ice, exercise and moist heat as recommended by your dentist
• Avoid wide yawning
• No gum chewing
• Reduce stress which leads to grinding and clenching teeth

A dental professional can offer treatment on more severe symptoms. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, typical TMD solutions include the following:

• Pain relievers, muscle relaxants and/or anti-inflammatories
• Stabilization splint (biteplate, night guard) or Mandibular Repositioning Device
• Gentle jaw stretching and massaging
• Electrical nerve stimulation – using a low electrical current to relax the joint and surrounding muscles
• Ultrasound treatment – deep heat on the joint to loosen it up
• Surgery – should be considered as a last resort.

In San Diego, California, please contact Dr. Loye at Carmel Creek Dental for an initial TMD treatment consultation. We offer the best treatment options available using on the latest state-of-the-art technology and techniques.