TMJ Specialist - TMJ Treatment Jaffrey

TMJ/TMD Treatment in Jaffrey, NH

Dr. Broome is a part of an elite group of 250 dentists worldwide who have completed a rigorous post-doctoral curriculum and earned accreditation as a practitioner of Rejuvenation dentistry. Rejuvenation dentistry is a comprehensive approach to treating bite and jaw problems and facial pain.

What are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are a pair of small joints that connect the lower jaw (the mandible) to the skull. They are located just in front of the ears and are used for chewing, talking, and other mouth movements.

The temporomandibular joint is unique because it allows the jaw to move in three dimensions: up and down, side to side, and forward and backward. It acts like a ball and socket joint. This makes it one of the most complex joints in the body. TMJ disorders can cause several problems, including pain, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

What is temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. TMD can cause chronic jaw pain and uncomfortable symptoms in the surrounding muscles. Clicking or popping sounds is a common symptom when the jaw moves.

Causes of TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular disorders are often caused by clenching or excessive grinding of the teeth (bruxism), which puts excessive stress on the jaw joint and jaw muscles. Other potential causes of temporomandibular joint disorders include arthritis, dislocation of the jaw, or trauma to the face or jaw.

Treatment Options for TMJ/TMD

Treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders typically relieves facial pain and relaxes the chewing muscles and muscle tenderness. This may involve laser therapy, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, or pain medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. In addition, our practice uses rejuvenation dentistry to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Medication

If you are seeking an alternative to surgery, medication may be the solution for you. Pain medication is often one of the most effective ways to manage jaw pain and other affected areas. We can use many medications to treat TMJ disorder pain, and we can help you find the right one for you. For example, we may prescribe medications that include anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and painkillers.

Mouthguard

Mouthguards have long been used to protect teeth from injury during sports, but they can also be effective in helping to treat TMJ pain. If you are struggling with pain related to TMJ dysfunction, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists to talk about getting a custom-made mouthguard. A night guard is worn while sleeping and will help stabilize the jaw, put the top and bottom teeth in a healthy position, relax the facial muscles, and reduce stress on the TMJ joints. It will help prevent teeth grinding and clenching in your sleep and is a very effective treatment.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a newer treatment option for TMJ pain that is very effective. If you are experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms, please consult with one of our dentists about whether laser therapy may be right for you. Laser therapy uses concentrated light energy to reduce inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joints. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment choice that does not require anesthesia or surgery.

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is many times the last resort for patients with TMJ disorders. We always want to explore one of the nonsurgical treatments available to our patients before moving to oral surgery. This type of oral surgery is designed to correct the problems causing pain. The patient can often find relief from their symptoms by addressing and fixing these issues and seeing that their joints are functioning correctly.

What is rejuvenation dentistry?

Rejuvenation dentistry focuses on restoring the teeth and mouth, driven by function rather than aesthetics. Our dentist can perform several rejuvenation procedures, ranging from simple teeth shaping to more complex dental implants. Rejuvenation dentistry can help to improve both the functionality of the teeth and jaw and their overall health. As a result, patients who undergo rejuvenation procedures often have increased confidence and self-esteem.

For TMJ/TMD, restorative dentistry focuses more on the chewing system of the jaw and how it functions. The process involves stabilizing the jaw joints and relaxing the jaw muscles, and it doesn’t wear down your natural teeth.

Patients who undergo restorative dentistry see many benefits, including esthetics, improved function, comfort, and long-lasting dental health. Our dental team can help relieve your jaw pain and get you back to normal with several treatment options. So schedule an appointment with us today and see what we can do for you.

Contact Us For Your TMJ Consultation & Treatment

No matter your dental needs, we are happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation for you. So contact our office today to schedule an appointment for cosmetic treatment.

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