Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat are restorative dentists with advanced training and experience in the treatment of TMJ disorders. Few clinicians are trained to properly identify, diagnose, and treat this painful condition also known as TMD. Our dental team will help you find the right TMJ treatment in Hunt Valley, MD if you are suffering from TMD. You can count on Valley Dental Health for personalized, focused care. Our dentists will spend ample time getting to know you and educating you on all available treatment options.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to your skull. This joint is located on each side of your head near your ears. There are also several other components that support and control the TMJ including discs, muscles, and ligaments. It is responsible for giving your lower jaw (the mandible) movement. Your temporomandibular joint allows you to bite, chew, talk, and make facial expressions. If the joints or any of the surrounding components become damaged or harmed, simple everyday tasks like eating and speaking can be very painful.
What is a TMJ Disorder or Syndrome?
TMJ syndrome, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is a common condition that many people face. It can cause can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck, and can affect the way you eat, talk, and even sleep. It is often the cause of undiagnosed and frequent headaches, jaw pain, and ear aches.
The exact causes of TMJ disorders is unknown but is most likely related to certain things that affect the jaw. This includes arthritis in the jaw, injuries to the jaw, a bite imbalance, stress, teeth grinding, or clenching your teeth. Dentists often see patients complain of jaw pain when their bite is misaligned.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
The pain from a TMJ disorder can diminish your quality of life. Each patient can experience different symptoms however most people will experience some sort of jaw pain. If you think you may be suffering from a TMJ syndrome, it is important to seek care from a professional who has experience treating the disorder. TMJ has a variety of signs and symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms of TMJ include:
- Frequent headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw Pain
- Pain in the tooth, face, neck, or shoulders
- Pain around ears
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Locked jaw or inability to open mouth (with or without pain) in the normal range of motion
- Ringing in the ears or a sensation of fullness (like when flying in an airplane)
It is important for patients experiencing symptoms of TMJ to be thoroughly evaluated so that treatment can address the imbalance in the bite. Dr. Roham Rafat and Dr. Ashley Izadi have extensive experience with bite disorders.
TMJ Treatment
We offer TMJ treatment in Hunt Valley, MD. Our dentists will take the time to determine the imbalance within your occlusal system in order to create a treatment plan that will provide comfortable and long-lasting results.
Dr. Izadi’s and Dr. Rafat’s goals with TMJ therapy are to gently bring the head, neck, and jaw into a natural, comfortable position. Our dentists start with a comprehensive evaluation to look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
In some cases, advanced diagnostic equipment is used to help identify the source of instability.
Custom Mouthguard
For patients with mild TMJ disorder, our dentists may take a conservative approach and recommend the use of a mouthguard. The custom-fit mouthguard is used to help prevent tooth-grinding and jaw clenching during sleep and /or stressful situations. Tooth grinding and jaw clenching are some of the things that can contribute to TMJ and the jaw and facial pain that go along with it.
Dental Procedures
For patients with more complex issues related to malocclusion, Valley Dental Health can offer a variety of treatment options, including bite correction therapy.
This may involve using one or more restorative or cosmetic dental procedures to realign the teeth and ensure they come into contact correctly. Dr. Rafat or Dr. Izadi may suggest a dental crown, bonding, or the use of orthodontics to accomplish this goal and restore oral health.
What is a TMJ Mouthguard?
A TMJ mouthguard is a removable oral appliance that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in the proper position. Usually worn during sleep, this oral appliance may also prevent teeth grinding or clenching. These can lead to tooth wear and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
TMJ treatment through splints, mouth guards, and night guards can help to alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
TMJ Disorder FAQs
Do I need oral surgery if I have a TMJ disorder?
You will only need to see an oral surgeon if you have severe symptoms and have been living with this disorder for quite some time. Our dentists can relieve TMJ pain without the need for corrective jaw surgery.
How do I alleviate TMJ symptoms at home?
You can do many things at home to help alleviate TMJ pain. Apply an icepack to your jaw pain, take anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen, and try some jaw exercises. Be sure to visit our dentists to evaluate your TMJ issues for treatment recommendations. Dentists are your first line of defense for TMJ disorders.
What happens if I don’t treat TMJ?
If you do not seek professional treatment for your TMJ disorder, you are at risk of developing more health issues. TMJ contributes to teeth grinding, worn teeth, and broken and cracked teeth.
If you have experienced any TMJ symptoms and require TMJ treatment in Hunt Valley, MD, contact Valley Dental Health to schedule an appointment. Here, we can discuss your treatment options and which one will work best for you.