TMJ Therapy – Tucson, AZ
Stop Your Chronic Jaw Pain
Your ability to move your arms and legs depends on having healthy, fully functioning joints. Your jaw is no different; it relies on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to be able to move fluidly in all directions so that you can speak and chew. Issues with the TMJ can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and other problems. Get in touch with Dr. Lopez today if you think there’s a problem with your jaw joints so that he can help you return to a pain-free life with TMJ therapy in Tucson, AZ.
Why Choose JJay R. Lopez, DDS, PC for TMJ Therapy?
- Dentist That Will Address the Root of Your Problem
- Fully Personalized, Expertly Made Oral Splints
- Multiple Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
What is TMJ/TMD?
When the TMJ becomes strained, injured, or stressed for any reason, the result is a TMJ disorder, or TMD. Risk factors for such a disorder include grinding the teeth at night or an improperly aligned bite. You might also suffer jaw problems after an injury or developing certain types of arthritis. It’s important to have a potential TMD diagnosed and treated as soon as possible so that you can stop the pain and allow your jaw to function normally again.
Equilibration / Occlusal Adjustments
The way your upper and lower rows of teeth fit together affects how the pressure of your bite is distributed. If the two arches don’t come together properly, it could put an uneven amount of stress on the TMJ. During an occlusal adjustment, we can remove small amounts of enamel to reduce the size of certain teeth while using restorations to build others up. The goal is to make sure your upper and lower teeth are perfectly balanced.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint works on two fronts. First, it prevents the teeth from making direct contact with each other, thus limiting the damage done by the bruxism often associated with TMD. Second, it repositions the jaw so that the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the area are able to relax and recover from the pressure that was previously being put on them. Eventually, your jaw will adapt to its new position, allowing you to find permanent relief from the pain.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMD be cured permanently?
Dr. Lopez and our Tucson team aim to provide TMJ treatment that results in long-lasting relief from TMD symptoms. For example, equilibration corrects minor bite discrepancies that can create extra work and stress for your jaw joints. An occlusal splint helps to relax overworked muscles and can provide long-term results when it is used properly.
Without treatment, you might notice that your TMD symptoms go away on their own. However, without addressing the underlying cause, the problem is likely to keep recurring.
Additionally, keep in mind that even with successful treatment, new circumstances can lead to TMD flare-ups. For example, dental damage or natural shifts in your teeth may cause symptoms to return.
Can TMJ be fixed with braces?
Sometimes, TMJ disorder occurs due to significant dental misalignment. In such instances, Dr. Lopez might recommend braces or clear aligners as a way to straighten your teeth and help your upper and lower dental arches work more harmoniously together. Although this takes longer than more conservative treatment options, it can be a great option for people who need more than minimal intervention.
Because orthodontic treatment can take time to alleviate TMD, you may need to use other pain management techniques as you are straightening your teeth. For example, eating a soft diet and taking pain relievers may help.
Is TMJ treatment safe?
Yes, TMJ treatment is generally very safe. We use non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques that carry very little risk.
If your case is particularly severe, you might need surgery. We can help you find a qualified specialist who has a reputation for prioritizing patient safety. Most people have positive outcomes from surgery, though it does come with minor risks, such as a chance of infection.
How long does it take for a TMJ splint to work?
Many patients notice that their symptoms start to subside within a few days of wearing their occlusal splint consistently. However, it may take several weeks or even a few months before you are totally pain-free.
If you do not notice improvements within a reasonable period of time, call our team. We may need to adjust your treatment plan or provide advice to help you succeed with your splint.
How long does occlusal adjustment take for TMJ?
The occlusal adjustment process may require one or more relatively short dental appointments. Dr. Lopez will carefully adjust the surfaces of your teeth and restorations with the goal of improving your bite.
After the adjustments are complete, you may notice a positive difference very quickly. However, it could take some time for your TMJs and the surrounding muscles to relax and get used to your new bite.