TMJ Therapy - Campbell, CA

What is TMJ Disorder/TMD?

TMJ disorder is a condition where too much pressure is being applied to the jaw joints. These joints, also referred to as the temporomandibular joints, are what allow the jaw to make so many complex movements when chewing, yawning, speaking or performing any other basic function. These joints can only handle so much stress before they start to become inflamed. If you notice jaw pain throughout the day, it could be as a result of an untreated temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD.)

The most common symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Aching pain around the ear
• Difficulty or pain while chewing
• Clicking or locking of the jaw
• Aching facial pain
• Chronic headaches

Possible Causes of TMJ Disorder

There are many potential causes of TMD, but they can also vary. For example, one of the most common causes is stress, which can lead to teeth grinding and clenching (or bruxism.) This habit is largely unconscious, which is why it’s so important to have bruxism treated at the early stages as a way to prevent long-term damage to the enamel and joints.

Another common cause is jaw injury, such as a broken jaw or dislocation. If the jaw never healed properly, it could lead to complications that result in TMD. Other possible causes include arthritis, misaligned teeth, or an uneven bite.

TMJ Therapy Options

A good treatment for treating the TMJ is a custom-made oral appliance. This is designed to take pressure off of your joints and give them a chance to relax and heal. These appliances are typically worn when stress is most likely to occur. In many cases, this is when a patient is sleeping throughout the night. However, there are other ways to mitigate discomfort on top of oral appliance therapy. These include:

• eating softer foods
• avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
• modifying the pain with heat packs
• practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback.

Cost of TMJ Therapy

The cost of your TMJ therapy will largely depend on how mild or severe your TMJ disorder actually is. For example, if you only need to make some minor adjustments at home, it will cost relatively little to treat. If custom-made oral appliances or occlusal adjustments are needed to improve the overall harmony of your upper and lower arches, it can cost more. Regardless of what your treatment may cost, waiting to receive treatment will only result in more dental care costs down the line. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits within your budget. We’re also happy to provide multiple financing options, so you can focus more on getting out of discomfort!