Regular pain felt in the jaw can be exactly that: a pain. Though it might be comforting to know that you’re not alone in what you’re feeling, help from our skilled West Michigan TMJ dentists would still be incredibly beneficial. On top of a thorough examination, treating TMJ disorder pain also means taking your daily experiences into account and developing a solid management plan.
Here are 3 TMJ disorder treatment options for mild to moderate pain that we can move forward with.
How Am I Evaluated for a TMJ Disorder?
Not all jaw issues are immediately . Of course, oral pain is still something that should be taken seriously which is why we’ll utilize several diagnostic methods and possibly even consult with your primary care doctor to be sure what you’re experiencing is indeed a TMJ disorder.
Starting with a dental exam, we’ll take note of:
- How well you can open/close your mouth (range of motion)
- Whether you notice discomfort if certain areas of your face or jaw are pressed
- The feeling of your jaw joints as you open/close your mouth
Anything abnormal found will be further examined using dental imaging services or X-rays. Looking beneath the surface will allow our dentists to confirm any suspicions there may be and gather additional information that can influence your TMJ treatment. If our dentists believe that other scans, i.e., CT or MRI, are needed, we will let you know.
Common TMJ Disorder Treatments Include:
1) Night Guards or Similar Oral Appliances
Unlike products you might find at the store, our custom bite splints are created to fit your mouth and your mouth only. Because they’re custom made using an impression of your teeth, these dental appliances are more comfortable when worn and are capable of keeping your jaw in a better position.
There’s no metal used in the construction of the bite splint or night guard as our local TMJ dentists favor hard acrylic resin instead. Depending on the design, the splint may cover a few or all of your upper or lower teeth, similar to how a mouth guard fits, but less bulky.
Treatment for TMJ disorders often involves reducing excessive (bruxism), which bite splints come in handy for. You may be instructed to wear the device during the day if necessary but oftentimes, it is only worn at night or while you’re home.
2) Jaw Stretching Exercises Every Day
When you’re tense before or after a workout, stretching can help you loosen up. In a similar vein, running through a list of daily can relieve pain you’re feeling in your jaw and face as a whole. Keep in mind, however, that these exercises are not recommended for instances of severe pain and should only be done once any heightened discomfort has subsided a bit.
Our dentists can give you pointers on how to start a TMJ exercise regimen and even demonstrate how the moves are performed if you’d like to see for yourself. In general, these variations on opening and closing the mouth can:
- Make the jaw muscles stronger
- Help relax the jaw
- Lead to greater jaw mobility and better healing
- Reduce the instance of jaw clicking
3) Facial Massage & Heat or Ice Application
Comforting heat and a refreshing ice pack are always a great combination when it comes to TMJ pain relief. Following a proper TMJ disorder evaluation, our dentists may recommend placing warm, moist heat on the side of your face that is bothering you most. You can also put the ice pack in the same spot as well but only leave it in place for 15 minutes at a time, covered in a thin towel.
When you’re taking a break from the heat and ice, try gently massaging your jaw muscles for a few minutes. Pace yourself and try to not be too rough with your movements.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation
Don’t normalize jaw or facial pain. Our TMJ dentists in West Michigan are here to offer professional guidance on your condition and get you the help you need to feel better again. Call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations today to schedule an appointment.
