TMJ
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular disorders can be caused by a variety of factors that can look different in each patient. You may be experiencing jaw pain due to one of the following concerns:
Bruxism
Bruxism is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth during the day or night. This repetitive pressure can put additional strain on the TMJs and surrounding muscles, causing a TMJ flare-up and possibly developing into a TMJ disorder.
Misalignment
When the upper and lower teeth do not form a cohesive bite, you can end up putting more pressure on one side than the other, causing pain in the TMJs. Patients with overbites, cross bites, a missing tooth, and other dental concerns may find they have TMD symptoms.
Arthritis
Various forms of arthritis can have an affect on the cartilage and hard and soft tissues surrounding the TMJ, leading to a TMD. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the jaw joints.
Trauma
Trauma to the mandible or surrounding body parts can cause damage to the TMJs, resulting in a TMJ disorder. The trauma can manifest as jaw misalignment, increased inflammation, and other TMD-exacerbating injuries.
Find Your Ideal Bite
With Biopak
Before we jump into what treatment may be best to relieve your TMJ pain, we'll diagnose your TMJ disorder and pinpoint exactly what's causing your pain in the first place. BioPak's Jaw Diagnostic System and other advanced diagnostic tools allow us to measure the movements of your jaw and surrounding muscles both at rest and in function. With this information, we can formulate a treatment plan to treat your TMJ disorder and find your ideal bite.
Treatments We Offer for TMD
After our Archdale, NC, dental team diagnoses your TMJ disorder with the help of Biopak's technology and digital X-rays, we can start formulating a treatment plan to address your oral pain. To provide TMJ patients with the best care, Dr. Tesha Whaley completed a mini-residency with Dr. Jay Gerber, a doctor who solely treated TMJ and orthodontic patients.
Also known as splints, mouthguards and oral appliances can provide a cushion between the upper and lower teeth and reposition the jaw. Our dentists can fit you with a daytime or nightime splint specific to your oral structures and needs, whether your discomfort is primarily from bruxism or misalignment.
Overactive muscles around the TMJ can cause you to grind and clench your jaw more than is healthy. BOTOX® injections can relax the jaw muscle to reduce muscle tension and relieve symptoms associated with TMD, such as jaw pain, headaches, and ringing in the ears.
Does Insurance Cover Treatment?
Whether or not insurance covers treatment will depend on your specific insurance plan and your individual case; some treatments, like BOTOX, are less likely to be covered than others, such as mouthguards.
We accept most insurance plans at our Archdale dental office. Our helpful office staff can help you get the most out of your insurance plan and inform you of financing options through CareCredit® and LendingClub if your insurance doesn't cover treatment or if you don't have insurance.
"Would highly recommend." Archdale, NC, Patients Choose Us for Treatment
Tammy Jo Dabbs
Archdale, NC
2023
Dr. Mac and his team Always goes above and beyond to make me comfortable! They all are very friendly and caring! Absolutely love them all.
View on GoogleJames Kirkman
Archdale, NC
2023
Entire staff was nice and very professional. Visit was uneventful and no pain or discomfort. Would highly recommend.
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