If you are looking for TMJ therapy and treatment in Raleigh-Durham, NC, then look no further than TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham. We offer the best TMJ treatment and therapy in the area. Dr. Ferzli is a fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and is specially trained to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Not every dentist offers temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments, and many will send you to a TMJ specialist in order to help you to manage your pain and discomfort. We are very proud to offer these services right in our office.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder is a problem with the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint, the temporomandibular joint, is located near your ear. For many with a TMJ disorder (often abbreviated TMJ), the first symptom they notice other than pain is a clicking or popping sound with jaw movement. TMJ pain is sometimes confused for neck pain or even an earache, but a TMJ specialist can quickly tell if the joint is the issue.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- pain with chewing,
- crackling, popping, and clicking of the jaw,
- tooth grinding (bruxism),
- swelling on the sides of the face,
- nerve inflammation,
- morning headaches, including migraines
What causes TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJ may be caused by a variety of things. The most common is clenching or grinding your teeth at night in your sleep. This can cause your jaw joints and muscles to be sore and even affect how your upper and lower teeth fit together. TMJ is often associated with stress, as a stress reaction can cause you to clench teeth.
TMJ treatment
Treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves several techniques. Your TMJ specialist will determine which ones might work best for you. The most important feature of TMJ treatment is that it is designed to relieve pain and relax the muscles around your jaw.
- Your specialist may recommend a mouthguard that you will wear at night, or less commonly day and night, to help you stop clenching or grinding teeth.
- Your specialist may show you some relaxation techniques designed to help you unclench your jaw. They may also prescribe muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Your specialist may recommend that you eat only soft foods for a period of time.
- Your TMJ specialist may recommend physical therapy to help you strengthen and control the muscles of your jaw.
- You may be shown some helpful tongue exercises that will help your condition.
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Your specialist may provide education and counseling, as the Mayo Clinic explains, that “can help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain, so you can avoid them. Examples include teeth clenching or grinding, leaning on your chin, or biting fingernails.”
When it comes to treating TMJ in Raleigh-Durham, nobody does it better than TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre. In one short 90-minute visit, Dr. Ferzli can start you on the road to recovery.
