TMJ Treatment
TMJ Treatment
TMJ Treatment Columbus, OH
Everyone has two temporomandibular joints (TMJ), one on the left and one on the right. When one or both joints become damaged or develops issue with functionality, you are said to have TMD or TMJ syndrome. Symptoms typically manifest as a rustling, clicking, or popping in the jaw joint along with muscle or jaw joint pain. Other symptoms can include headaches, tinnitus, difficulty opening your jaw or a jaw that locks in place, and even numbness in your fingertips and face.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options for TMJ. At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of TMJ treatment for you.
SERVICES
The Types of TMJ Disorders
There are three broad categories of TMJ disorders:
- Myogenous: Myogenous TMJ accounts for over 80% of TMJ disorders and presents as discomfort and pain in the shoulders, neck, temple, and jaws. This type of TMJ is usually treated with a combination of BOTOX and custom fit nightguards.
- Jaw joint generated pain: Caused by internal derangement, such as displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injured condyles.
- Degenerative joint disease: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other degenerative diseases of the joints can result in TMJ developing.
Most TMJ disorders can be treated by East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, however degenerative joint disease or internal derangements may require a physician to become involved.
What Causes TMJ or TMD
TMJ problems in a minority of cases are caused by a blow to the face or arthritis of the jaw joint. Most commonly, TMJ pain is related to your genetic predisposition or stress level. TMD tends to cluster in high stress professions, physicians, lawyers, consultants, traders, etc., and is more likely to occur if you are experiencing a high level of stress. This stress leads to teeth grinding and clenching and the associated head, neck, and shoulder pain.
TMJ disorder can develop due to a variety of factors, including the following:
- Bruxism
- Jaw or neck injury
- Dislocated joint
- Neck or jaw injury
- Dental fillings or crowns that were incorrectly placed
- Malocclusion
TMJ can also be caused by arthritis or following facial trauma, but it is most commonly the result of genetic predisposition or excessive levels of stress.
COMMON PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
The Diagnosis of TMJ or TMD
TMJ problems are usually diagnosed through a detailed examination by East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry. Our trained team will look for evidence of TMJ on the teeth, mouth, gums, and tongue, palpate the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders to determine level of tenderness, measure lower jaw range of motion, conduct a scan of the jaw joints using JVA, joint vibration analysis, perform diagnostic imaging, MRI, or cone-beam x-rays.
TMJ Treatment Options
There are range of treatment options available for TMJ. To determine which treatment option is appropriate for you, it will be necessary to determine the root cause of your issue. For example, if the root cause is due to improperly placed fillings or crowns, we will begin treatment by removing and replacing the filling or crown to see if symptoms improve. If the issue appears to be related to stress, we will encourage you to make certain lifestyle changes, such as practicing yoga, meditating, and other self-care practices. In rare cases, surgical intervention that involves replacing the jaw joint disc may be necessary, or a series of procedures utilizing numerous veneers and crowns may be performed to rebuild your bite, but typically TMJ can be improved or treated through easier methods.
Custom Fit Nightguard
A custom fit nightguard is one of the most common and successful treatment options if you have TMJ. Although one-size-fits-all nightguards are available in drugstores, to maximize your results and increase your chances of successfully treating TMJ, it is essential that you have a guard that is designed and customized to meet your mouth. With one-size-fits-all nightguards purchased at retail, you run the risk of not improving your symptoms, and you may end up making your condition worse.
One of the primary reasons a custom fit nightguard is so important is because everyone has a different dental structure, and TMJ will present itself differently in different patients. Some patient’s TMJ may be primarily clenching, whereas another patient may be grinding, and a third might be clenching and grinding. Although it may be a little costlier and time consuming to have a custom guard designed for you, in the end you will save more time and money by seeking treatment that is designed to meet your unique needs.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr. Levy and the staff are wonderful, friendly, caring people. They make you feel calm during what can be a very stressful time. I had a deep cleaning & extraction yesterday and it was painless and quick. I was in and out in just a little over an hour. I received instructions for my aftercare along with the items needed to take care of my mouth. I feel wonderful today, no pain and eating normally. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, come see Dr. Levy and staff, they will put you at ease and take good care of you!
- Christi L
Everyone made me feel so welcomed even though I was nervous, Dr. Levy was great and informative made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone.
- Dee H.
The Cost of Your TMJ Treatment
The cost of your TMJ treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
Affordable Payment Plans
Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care
The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.
Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.
Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.