TMD/TMJ Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
Our TMD therapy options are designed to help diagnose your TMD issues and help you find a treatment that works. We can help you access bite guards that fit well, provide headache relief, and relax your jaw at the same time, so any stress or sleepless nights caused by TMD can soon be put behind you.
What Is TMD?
TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw. It’s often a result of clenching or grinding your teeth at night, but it can also be brought on by stress, arthritis, or as a result of an injury.
TMD can lead to pain in the jaw as well as the neck and facial muscles, and this pain can have a serious effect on your quality of life. If you believe you might have a TMD, reach out! We can provide solutions that will ease the pain and make your jaw healthy again.
Do I Have TMD?
The following may be indicators that you’re experiencing TMD:
- Clicking, popping, or other unusual sounds in the jaw, especially when opening or closing.
- Sensitivity or pain in the neck, face, or along the jaw joint.
- Difficulty chewing, or a feeling as though your upper and lower teeth aren’t meeting properly.
- Jaws that temporarily become stuck either open or closed.
- A sudden lack of ability to open the jaw widely.
If you are noticing any of these indicators, please contact our office. We can help you determine if you are experiencing TMD.
How Can TMD Therapy Help?
Diagnosing the problem is the first step in curing a TMD. Our trained team of professionals can help you identify and understand your specific TMD, and we can outline treatment options that will work for you individually, whether that involves a simple bite guard to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, or something more advanced.
One of the biggest way TMJ therapy can help is by providing headache relief, but whatever you need from your TMD therapy, we will be there to help you recover your pain-free lifestyle!
Treating TMD with Bite Guards at Our Dental Office
Bite guards, also known as dental splints or occlusal splints, offer an effective non-surgical treatment for TMD. These custom-made devices are worn over the teeth, helping to realign the jaw and distribute bite force evenly. Wearing a bite guard can reduce strain on the jaw joint.
By preventing clenching and grinding, bite guards alleviate common TMD symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and earaches. They also protect the teeth from the wear and tear associated with these habits. In essence, bite guards provide a cushioning effect, promoting healing and providing relief for individuals suffering from TMD.
Frequently Asked Questions about TMD and Bite Guards:
How long do I need to wear the bite guard?
How long you need to wear a bite guard will be determined based on the severity of your TMD. You should expect to wear the guard at night for several months. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions for better results.
Can a bite guard cure my TMD?
A bite guard will not cure your TMD but it can alleviate your symptoms and help manage your pain, allowing your jaw joint to relax.
Are bite guards comfortable to wear?
Bite guards are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to be comfortable to wear. It may take some time to get used to the feeling, but eventually, you should find them comfortable.
Contact Our Office for Lasting Relief from TMD Pain!
If you’ve been living with jaw pain, contact us today! We can help you recover and restore your jaw back to health. You can get headache relief here! We provide TMJ treatment services to patients all over the Chattanooga area, including Dayton & South Pittsburg.