Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that affects over 10% of the population. It is often misdiagnosed and mistreated by healthcare professionals with little to no training in the dental field. This highly complex disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint connecting the upper and lower jaw becomes misaligned or stressed. Dr. Vernon Sheen offers TMJ treatment in Annapolis, MD to help patients find relief from painful symptoms.
TMJ Symptoms & Signs
Typical symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include tooth wear, chronic headaches, clicking or grinding noises in the TM Joint, as well as pain or difficulty in opening or closing one’s mouth. The signs of TMJ dysfunction are different for every patient. This is why it can be hard for an untrained clinician to reach a diagnosis. TMJ symptoms also often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions. Some of the more common signs or symptoms include:
- Popping or clicking in the jaw
- Difficulty opening and closing the jaw
- Pain when chewing, eating, or opening wide
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Ringing of the ears
- Soreness or tiredness in the face or jaw
TMJ Therapy with Annapolis Dentist Dr. Sheen
Before beginning any TMJ therapy treatments, Annapolis dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen will conduct a thorough exam of your head, mouth, jaw joints, facial muscles, and teeth. TMJ disorders often overlap with other dental problems. A complete evaluation is needed to discover underlying causes and develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Dr. Sheen will also ask about your overall health, oral health habits, and any lifestyle habits or medical concerns. He needs this information to understand all aspects of your health and your symptoms. This will help Dr. Sheen choose the right treatment for you and ensure your long-term results.
Our goal is to pinpoint the underlying cause of your bite problem to help cure your symptoms and improve your oral health. Dr. Sheen may also notice the signs of a bite problem during routine dental exams, such as worn down, cracked, or damaged teeth.
TMJ Treatment Options
Dr. Sheen offers a wide range of TMJ therapy treatments designed to cure and correct TMJ disorder symptoms. These include custom mouth guards and restorative treatments or orthodontics to realign the bite, correct damage, and restore oral health.
For many patients, reducing stress and using a night guard or splint can relieve painful symptoms and help the jaw to relax. Dr. Sheen will repair tooth damage from teeth grinding. He may also recommend restorative treatment to make sure the teeth can make proper contact.
If crooked teeth or misalignment is causing your bite dysfunction, orthodontics may be recommended.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Is TMJ treatment painful?
No. Treatment for TMJ disorders may sound like a complex and arduous process. In reality, it is just a combination of thoroughly evaluating your underlying conditions and applying restorative dentistry to solve the root cause. The process can include sedation dentistry to ease your fears for those with dental anxiety.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Ultimately this is up to the dental insurance provider, but dental insurance can elect to provide cost coverage for TMJ treatments. Treatments for TMJ disorders are restorative in nature, so dental insurance may deem them necessary for good basic oral health.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
It is unlikely for chronic TMJ to go away on its own. Some dental insurance providers will try to claim that it will, but they’re only there to make money. There are things you can do at home to help with TMJ symptoms before visiting the dentist. Try exercising to reduce stress, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and applying a cold compress to the painful area of your face.
Visit Our Annapolis Dentist Office for Experienced TMJ Therapy
If your jaw joints are in constant pain, and you think you might be suffering from TMJ disorder, contact our dentist in Annapolis, MD. Call (443) 482-5202 or schedule an appointment online.