If you suffer from regular headaches, upper body pain, and facial pain – you may have a condition known as temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). This disorder affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. It can lead to chronic pain, lockjaw, and worn or damaged teeth.
TMJ Treatment
At Chagrin Highlands Dental Group, we believe there is no reason to live in constant discomfort. That is why we are happy to offer comprehensive TMJ treatments. Together, we can find the perfect treatment plan to keep your oral muscles and joints healthy and pain-free!
What Causes TMJ?
Your jaw joints and facial muscles are in charge of opening and closing your mouth. Temporomandibular joint disease occurs when your joints become damaged or fall out of alignment. As far as we know, there is no single cause. It can be triggered by a variety of things such as grinding, clenching, genetics, or injury.
What Are the Side Effects?
TMJ disorder can cause a variety of uncomfortable side effects. Most of these can be easily treated and corrected over time. Although it is uncommon, severe cases of TMJ do occur and can cause arthritis, chronic grinding or clenching, and some connective tissue diseases.
The most common side effects of TMJ include:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Worn, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Facial, neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Lockjaw
- Loose teeth
- Clicking or grating in the jaw joints
If you are suffering from any of these side effects, please let us know. If we catch TMJ early enough, we may be able to prevent more serious problems from developing.
What is Occlusal Equilibration?
Here at Chagrin Highlands Dental Group, we use occlusal equilibration therapy to treat TMJ. For this process, we will gently reshape some of your teeth to allow your jaw to close properly. These changes are very minor – you shouldn’t notice any cosmetic changes to your appearance!
Occlusal equilibration is often a permanent solution to TMJ disorder. With one treatment, we can correct your jaw’s alignment and relieve your TMJ-related discomfort and pain!
This treatment is simple and pain-free. However, we are happy to offer sedation options for those with dental fear or anxiety.
Other treatments, such as splint therapy, are available as well. During your consultation, Dr. Desatnik will be happy to explain all of your treatment options.
If you would like to learn more about TMJ treatment or would like to schedule a consultation, call our office at 216-464-9800. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns!
Become a patient today! Call us at (216) 464-9800 or schedule an appointment online.