TMJ Treatment
Here at Dental Solutions of Encinitas, your smile is our passion. But we provide more than just gorgeous grins—we are dedicated to getting you the treatments you need to experience holistic, whole body health. This includes treatments that address TMD issues and provide relief from the dental discomfort they cause.
With years of experience paired with the latest and greatest dental technology, our office is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that optimize your oral health. So why wait? Schedule your TMJ consultation today.
What Is TMJ/TMD?
Whether it is helping us chew our favorite foods, share bright smiles, or speak clearly, our mouths are hard at work. This is especially true for the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that are responsible for our jaw’s range of motion. If a dental issue disrupts or creates stress on these areas, we refer to it as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD).
Proper TMJ function is absolutely critical to not only your oral health, but also your quality of life. By acting as the hinge that connects our upper and lower jaw, these joints make daily activities like chewing, speaking, swallowing, and even yawning possible.
Causes of TMD
Causes of TMD
There can be many factors that contribute to TMJ disorders, from overstressed ligaments, improper alignment to even weakened muscle tissue. However, some risk factors are more common than others.
You are more likely to develop TMD if you have:
- Chronic tooth grinding (bruxism)
- A history of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Jaw damage or dislocation
- Orthodontic issues (overbites, underbites, crossbites)
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
Because our jaws play such an important role in our daily lives and overall dental care, TMJ disorders create an unfortunately broad range of symptoms. Some of these negatively impact both your oral health and whole body wellness.
You should contact our office for a consultation if you have any of the following conditions:
Benefits of Bite Guards/Night Guards for TMD Treatment
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect many adults, causing a loss of quality of life. One of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for TMD symptoms is the use of custom bite guards or night guards.
Our practice offers personalized bite guards crafted with precision technology to ensure comfort, durability, and effective TMD symptom management.
How Bite Guards Help TMD:
Reduce Jaw Muscle Tension
y creating a cushioning barrier between your teeth, bite guards help relax overactive jaw muscles, often responsible for pain and stiffness.
Prevent Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Known as bruxism, grinding and clenching can worsen TMD symptoms and cause tooth damage. A night guard absorbs this pressure, protecting both your teeth and jaw joint.
Promote Proper Jaw Alignment
Custom guards help stabilize the jaw, improving bite mechanics and reducing joint inflammation.
Improve Sleep Quality
By easing discomfort and preventing grinding noises, bite guards contribute to more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
If you want to experience these benefits, call our dental office today to schedule an appointment.
How Dental Technology Makes a Difference
At our practice, advanced dental technology elevates every step of your TMD diagnosis and treatment, ensuring precision, comfort, and superior outcomes:
- CEREC | This same-day restoration technology allows us to design and fabricate custom bite guards with an accurate fit and minimal wait time.
- Digital X-Rays & 3D Cone Beam Imaging | These detailed imaging tools provide comprehensive views of your jaw joint, teeth, and bone structure to accurately diagnose TMD causes.
- Digital Impressions: Say goodbye to messy molds. Digital impressions capture your bite with incredible accuracy and comfort, ensuring your bite guard fits precisely.
- DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection: Early cavity detection ensures no underlying dental issues worsen your jaw discomfort.
- Soft Tissue Laser Technology: For patients requiring gum therapy related to TMD inflammation, our soft tissue lasers offer gentle and effective treatment.
- Intraoral Camera: See exactly what we see with high-resolution images, helping you understand your condition and treatment options.
These tools allow us to customize your treatment, minimize discomfort, and track progress with scientific precision.
Call Today for Your TMD Solution
Migraines, dental discomfort, and even muscle pain can all stem from oral health issues like TMD. Luckily, treatment that optimizes your dental care and promotes whole body wellness is just a call away, thanks to Dental Solutions of Encinitas.
Contact our office and schedule your consultation and learn which TMD solutions are right for you.