Relief From TMJ Pain
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause significant pain and discomfort in your jaw, face, and neck. If you're experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing, you may be suffering from TMJ. Fortunately, effective TMJ treatment options are available to help you regain a pain-free life. Dr. Hadaegh, a highly experienced dentist in Beverly Hills, specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
Have you ever felt pain or tenderness in your jaw while eating or speaking? If the answer is yes, you might be experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a condition that affects the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull, which controls your chewing. TMD can cause various symptoms, including clicking or popping noises when you chew or talk. However, there are several treatments available to alleviate TMD.
Some of the common treatments include bite splints, non-invasive therapies, injections, or surgery. If left untreated, TMD can lead to muscle pain, headaches, misalignment of teeth, and even tooth damage due to clenching or grinding. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any TMD symptoms.
Did you know…
TMD is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. It's not a single disorder but rather a group of conditions that can cause pain in the jaw, face, head, and neck. TMD is quite common in the United States and affects around 12 percent of Americans, with women being more likely to experience it than men. Despite this, only one in three people with TMD actually seek treatment, even though there are effective options available.
An accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective TMJ treatment plan. Dr. Hadaegh will conduct a thorough examination of your jaw joint, teeth, and facial muscles. This may involve a physical exam, x-rays, or other imaging techniques. In some cases, additional tests may be required to rule out other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.
Treating TMJ can improve your quality of life dramatically. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect:
TMJ treatment is suitable for anyone experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, difficulty chewing, or facial pain. If you suspect you have TMJ, a consultation with Dr. Hadaegh can help determine if TMJ treatment is right for you. There are very few disqualifications for TMJ treatment, though Dr. Hadaegh will discuss your individual health history to ensure the safest and most effective course of treatment.
There are a variety of TMJ treatment options available, ranging from conservative therapies to more advanced procedures. Dr. Hadaegh will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and preferences.
While not a cure, self-care practices can significantly improve TMJ symptoms.
Oral splints and mouth guards are custom-made appliances worn over teeth. They help by properly positioning the jaw, reducing pressure on the TMJ joint, and preventing teeth grinding, which can worsen TMJ pain.
Stress can contribute to muscle tension and clenching in the jaw, worsening TMJ symptoms. Techniques like meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation in the jaw muscles, leading to pain relief.
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. TMJ treatment aims to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, easing pain and promoting healing in the jaw joint.
Massage therapy focuses on releasing tension in the muscles around the jaw and neck. This can improve blood flow, reduce muscle tightness and pain, and improve jaw mobility, all of which contribute to TMJ pain relief.
Strengthening exercises specifically target the jaw muscles, helping them become more resilient and supportive of the TMJ joint. This can improve joint stability and function, reduce pain, and prevent future problems.
Different medications address various TMJ symptoms. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories manage pain and inflammation. Tricyclic antidepressants may help regulate nerve impulses and reduce pain perception. Muscle relaxants ease muscle tension, contributing to pain relief.
Botox injections target the muscles responsible for clenching. By temporarily relaxing these muscles, Botox can reduce muscle tension and pain associated with TMJ.
Lidocaine injections provide localized pain relief by numbing the area around the TMJ joint. Hyaluronate injections act as a lubricant within the joint, improving joint function and reducing pain. Steroid injections can effectively reduce inflammation in the TMJ joint, alleviating pain and stiffness.
TMJ surgery is typically a last resort for severe cases where conservative treatments fail. It involves various procedures to repair or reconstruct damaged parts of the TMJ joint, aiming to restore function and alleviate pain.
Dr. Hadaegh at NH Dentistry offers a superior dental experience by combining cutting-edge technology for precise treatments with a focus on patient comfort. Dr. Hadaegh's expertise, honed at a top dental school and through mentorship from leading professionals, allows him to deliver exceptional cosmetic and restorative dentistry, while his friendly staff and welcoming environment ensure a positive experience for every patient.
Don't let TMJ pain control your life. Contact NH Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadaegh and discuss your TMJ treatment options. Call us at (310) 659-5399 to learn more.
Yes, TMJ disorders affect millions of Americans.
TMJ treatment itself is usually not painful. In fact, many treatments aim to reduce pain associated with TMJ.
Most TMJ treatments are minimally invasive and have a low risk of complications. However, it is important to discuss any potential risks with your dentist or doctor.
There is no one-size-fits-all cure for TMJ, but many treatment options can effectively manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The cost of TMJ treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment plan. Some insurance plans may cover TMJ treatment, so be sure to check with your provider.
To begin with, it is essential to undergo a formal examination and diagnosis for TMJ disorder. Your dentist will examine the condition's extent and decide on the best treatment plan that suits you. Typically, the initial approach involves non-invasive treatments like self-care, physical therapy, and bite guards. To relax the jaw or alleviate pain, medications may also be prescribed. In case conservative treatments do not yield results, surgery or joint injections may be recommended for patients.
The approach we take for TMJ treatment in Beverly Hills may differ from one patient to another. Therefore, your experience may not be exactly the same as someone else's. To help with the rehabilitation of your jaw, certain lifestyle changes may be recommended. For instance, you might be advised to avoid sudden movements of the jaw, like yelling or yawning. You may also need to start sleeping on your back and find ways to reduce your stress levels.
The care instructions after your treatment will differ depending on the type of treatment you receive. In case of a more intense treatment like surgery, you may have to follow a liquid-only diet for some time. Additionally, to reduce swelling, you will have to apply ice to the affected area and also ensure that the surgical site is kept clean and dry.
Schedule a consultation with premier Beverly Hills Dentist Neil N. Hadaegh, DDS. Your best smile calls for genuine care, personalized treatment, state-of-the-art technology, and expert precision. Contact us to design, achieve, and maintain your best smile in Beverly Hills with the help of renowned dentist Dr. Neil N. Hadaegh.
8920 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 625, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Mon - Thurs: 7am - 4pm
Fri, Sat & Sun: Closed
