TMJ disorder affects many people around the world. TMD symptoms can include chronic facial pain, clicking and popping, and making it very difficult for you to be able to eat the foods you love. It can also make you grind your teeth away, which can lead to self consciousness with your smile.

Do you have a bad habit of clenching your teeth or grinding your teeth when you sleep at night? When you wake up in the morning, do your teeth feel sore due to frequent grinding at night? Are you worried that your teeth are slowly but surely wearing away, making you self-conscious about your smile?

At Sugarloaf Signature Dentistry, we understand the discomfort and damage bruxism can cause, including weakened enamel and tooth structure. If not addressed, your bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

This condition is very common and can be very damaging to your teeth and your jaw movement. It can cause you difficulty opening and closing your mouth without pain. Get relief from your jaw pain and tension when you schedule your TMJ consultation with our friendly dental team today!

Click above or call 770-497-9111 today to get your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder treated and get you out of pain.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ/TMD) is a condition that affects your jaw joints—the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)—and surrounding tissue and muscles. 35 million Americans suffer from TMD. There are multiple causes of TMD, with the joints and muscles that control your jaw including:

• Bruxism – the frequent act of grinding or clenching your teeth
• Arthritis of your temporomandibular joint 
• A broken or dislocated jaw 
• Stress that frequently causes you to clench or grind your teeth, especially when you are sleeping
• And many other TMJ or other Jaw traumas

What TMJ Symptoms Might Be TMD?

There are many common TMJ symptoms that are characteristic of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), including: 

• Frequent jaw pain with soreness or stiffness
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Jaw popping, clicking, or cracking
• Earaches more so toward the front of your ears or temples
• Interrupted sleep
• Toothaches 
• Headaches or migraines
• Malocclusion (A misaligned bite) 

It may surprise you how far-reaching the effects of a TMJ disorder can be, but your jaw is an essential part of your daily life and overall health. To learn more about TMJ/TMD and how to stop and prevent some of these problems, call for a TMJ consultation at Sugarloaf Signature Dentistry today!

Call now at 770-497-9111.

TMD/TMJ Treatments In Suwanee

There are many TMJ treatment options available to treat and reduce your symptoms of TMD. These treatment options are based on the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. Some of the TMJ treatments we offer here at Sugarloaf Signature Dentistry include the following:

TMJ Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can evaluate your jaw and perform tests to examine your posture and measure the motion of your jaw. They will use the information they gather to create a personalized TMJ treatment plan to address your TMD/TMJ symptoms. 

Botox For TMJ Disorders

You might not know it, but Botox can be used to help manage the dysfunction of your TMJ disorder. Our dentists administer Botox treatments to help relax your jaw muscles. When botox proteins take effect, they encourage your jaw muscle not to be so tense. This can help prevent you from grinding your teeth during the day or at night.

These are some of the benefits of Botox treatment at our office:

• Treatments are quick, painless, and minimally invasive.
• Your treatment plan is customized to your needs.
• There is no downtime after treatment.
• No preparation is needed for your appointment.
• Botox will quickly take effect to prevent jaw grinding and teeth clenching.

Give us a call today at 770-497-9111 to schedule your Botox appointment! 

Bite Adjustments

A misaligned bite is one of the most common factors of patients who experience TMD. Our dentists will address this TMJ symptom, reshape your bite, and get you eating comfortably again. This can help prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth. We might also make other recommendations if you require further adjustment of your bite. 

Custom Splints And Bite Guards.

A custom splint or bite guard is a hard piece of plastic similar in appearance to a retainer. It is designed to be worn at night. They work by adjusting your bite so that only your front teeth touch, preventing unwanted grinding or clenching of your jaw.

A bite guard prevents you from damaging your teeth while you sleep. It can reduce any associated headaches and pain that are commonly experienced with TMJ disorders.

Relieving TMJ or TMD Discomfort at Home

Many individuals have found relief from TMJ symptoms by trying these common home remedies. The approach to treating your TMJ disorder depends on the severity of your symptoms. For mild cases of TMJ disorder, you may find the following home remedies beneficial in reducing your discomfort:

1. Use over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen to alleviate inflammation.
2. Engage in jaw exercises, which can contribute to pain relief.
3. Practice mindfulness relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels, which may help alleviate TMJ discomfort.
4. Opt for easily chewed foods to minimize strain on your jaw.
5. Avoid excessive yawning, as it can exacerbate TMJ disorder.
6. Refrain from chewing gum if you’re experiencing TMJ pain.
7. Apply heating pads or ice compresses to the affected area to reduce discomfort.
8. Consider gently massaging your jaw to help alleviate pain.

What Happens When I Get A TMJ Splint?

If you are struggling with bruxism or pain from TMD, schedule a consultation with our friendly dental team today. When you come in for your visit, we will look at your jaw alignment and discover the best course of action for you.

If you need a TMJ mouth guard, we will take impressions of your teeth to create your personalized dental splint. When your splint arrives at our office, we will show you how to properly wear it, clean it, and take care of it.

“Over The Counter” TMJ Mouth Guards Vs. Custom Made Mouth Guards

Over-the-counter mouth guards are often “one-size-fits all”. This means that they are not designed or customized with your smile in mind. These have a high potential to be far less effective and even cause more damage than not wearing one at all. At our dental office, we will create a much more comfortable, customized mouth guard designed to only fit your unique smile. 

Stop TMJ Pain NOW And Start Living! Contact Our Office Today

TMJ symptoms can be very painful and cause jaw discomfort and tooth damage. It does not have to be this way. We offer multiple treatment options, such as Botox and custom night guards, to help target the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Our goal is to take away your pain and discomfort and prevent further jaw and tooth damage. 

Are you ready to get your jaw feeling better and protect your teeth from clenching and grinding? Give Sugarloaf Signature Dentistry a call Now or schedule an appointment online.

Contact us at 770-497-9111 today!