TMJ Treatment in Carrboro, NC
Do you frequently wake up with jaw pain or notice that it’s harder to chew crunchy foods? You may have TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. The TMJ is the joint that connects the top of the jaw to the skull, and when patients clench their teeth at night, they can put a lot of pressure on this joint and cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Milltown Family Dentistry is here to help you reduce and relieve your TMJ symptoms and get back to sleeping peacefully. Contact our office today!
Contact Us
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ is characterized by jaw pain and stiffness, but there are a few other symptoms to watch out for if you believe that you may have TMJ:
- Pain or Soreness in Face or Jaw
- Headaches or Earaches
- Difficulty Chewing or Opening Mouth
- Jaw Clicking or Popping
- Neck and Back Tension
How is TMJ treated?
TMJ can often be triggered by stress, so finding healthy ways to relieve stress can be beneficial. There are also jaw exercises that can be done to relax the muscles and stretch them out. In severe cases, especially when TMJ has gone untreated for a long time, surgery can be required. Milltown Family Dentistry creates custom night guards for patients suffering from TMJ that hold the jaw in a comfortable position during the night that prevents the teeth from clenching together. Simply wearing a night guard every night can really protect the teeth and jaw and relieve TMJ symptoms.
How are custom night guards for TMJ created?
To create a night guard with a custom fit, our team will have to take impressions of your smile. These measurements are then used to make a mold of your teeth, and the mold is used to create the night guard. Once your night guard arrives from the lab, usually in a week or two, we will have you come in and try it on. This appointment is important, because if the night guard is uneven on either side, the patient may find that they begin clenching on one side and not the other. Once we have made any necessary modifications and ensured that your night guard fits well, you will be free to take it home with you and begin wearing it right away!
Contact Us