SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
TMJ disorder is a jaw joint disorder that may lead to chronic migraines, jaw or facial pain, toothaches, ringing the ears, and more. The list of TMJ symptoms is so far-reaching that it has been known to be connected to fibromyalgia. The good news is that there are effective ways to manage TMJ pain, and our Scotts Valley neuromuscular dentists can help. You no longer have to suffer in pain or rely on pain medication to get you through the day. Today on the blog, learn about six TMJ treatments to love this February and how Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry helps patients dealing with this common disorder.
Orthotic Therapy
Oral appliance therapy, as it is sometimes referred to, is a drug-free, non-invasive option to manage TMJ disorder. They are made from an impression of your teeth. These custom-fabricated orthotics relieve TMJ-related pain by properly aligning your jaw. Once a harmonious jaw alignment is achieved, the jaw muscles and nerves relax and function as they should, without strain and pain. Some oral appliances are fixed in the mouth, although removable appliances are available as well. Our Scotts Valley neuromuscular dentists will evaluate your TMJ treatment needs and suggest the most effective oral appliance for you.
Bite Adjustments
In some cases, the way the teeth come together when the mouth is closed is not optimal. A simple treatment called a “coronoplasty” might be beneficial for patients with an uneven bite. Sometimes, removing a minute amount of tooth structure to recontour the ridges of the teeth helps establish a comfortable bite that relieves TMJ pain.
Neuromuscular Functional Orthodontics (NMFO)
Different than traditional metal braces, NMFO straightens teeth incorporates neuromuscular orthotic to straighten teeth and establish a functional biting pattern. The focus of neuromuscular orthodontics is to bring teeth into an alignment that achieves a comfortable yet functional position when the mouth is at rest. In turn, this positively affects the muscles and nerves of the jaw and neck. Not every orthodontist provides this same outcome. Traditional orthodontics emphasizes straight teeth and beautiful smiles while ignoring the relation between bite alignment, rest oral posture, and muscles and nerves of the jaw.
Cosmetic and Restorative Procedures
Worn, chipped, or broken teeth negatively impact your bite pattern. You may not realize it at first, but even a slight change in your tooth’s surface may lead to an uneven bite that adds stress and pressure to your jaw joints. Damaged teeth can be restored with dental crowns or tooth-colored fillings. Your teeth may be worn down on the chewing surface due to clenching and grinding your teeth at night. This is called bruxism, and it is related to TMJ disorder. It can destroy your teeth but can be managed by wearing a custom nightguard while you sleep.
Full Mouth Rejuvenation
Some cases of TMJ disorder stem from more obvious dental problems such as severe tooth damage or significant tooth loss. Our teeth are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure that is evenly distributed across all teeth. As adult teeth are extracted and not replaced, it means the remaining teeth have to pick up the slack, bearing more biting force than they were designed to handle. Relieving TMJ disorder pain may involve a full mouth rejuvenation in which missing teeth are replaced with dental implants.
Co-Management of Oral Surgery Cases
Severe cases of TMJ disorder may require surgery when conservative measures fail to provide relief. Drs. Max and Ariana collaborate with some of the country’s best oral surgeons. If our doctors believe that TMJ surgery in Scotts Valley may be the best treatment for you, we will recommend one of these trusted oral surgeons for your care.
TMJ Doctors in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz
If you suffer from jaw pain, rest assured that Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry will get to the source of your pain and provide minimally invasive treatment whenever possible. Understand that TMJ disorder does not go away on its own. Much like the tires on a vehicle, a seemingly insignificant imbalance eventually leads to a damaged vehicle and costly repairs. Our teeth and jaws are similar in this way. If you’re ready to get some answers, schedule a TMJ consultation in Scotts Valley by calling (831) 438-4411.
