TMJ/TMD Treatment in Raleigh, NC

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About TMJ/TMD Treatment

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the spot where your jaw attaches to your skull to allow you to close and open your jaw smoothly. Sometimes the temporomandibular joint is injured or damaged, causing a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). Pain, clicking, or other noises in the jaw when you chew, yawn, or swallow, as well as headaches and restricted jaw movements, are the most common signs of TMD. To ease jaw pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vivian Throop for an official diagnosis. At her practice, City of Oaks Dental in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Throop uses innovative equipment to assess and care for your TMD to ease painful symptoms.

What are the Benefits of TMJ/TMD Treatment?

There are many reasons patients seek treatment for TMD at City of Oaks Dental. Our experienced dental team is highly specialized in this condition, offering custom treatment plans that improve your health and quality of life. Common benefits include:

Relief from TMJ/TMD pain
Reduced muscle tension in the face and jaw
Improved joint mobility
Reduced discomfort when you eat, chew, and talk
More energy due to a better night’s sleep

Who is a Candidate for TMJ/TMD Treatment?

TMD can affect people of all ages, so we welcome patients in the Raleigh area and beyond to consult with Dr. Throop for this condition. We understand that jaw pain and other symptoms associated with TMD can be uncomfortable and impact your quality of life, so we strive to provide comprehensive care that is tailored to your specific needs. Inform our team about any concerning symptoms such as clicking or popping in your jaw, difficulty chewing and speaking, earaches, headaches, and dizziness.

How is TMJ/TMD Treated?

To help diagnose a temporomandibular disorder, Dr. Throop will carefully listen to and understand your concerns before performing a physical examination. Throughout the examination, she will assess the movement of your jaw and start looking for indicators of jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and misalignment. She will also palpate the jaw and lower face for any swelling and tenderness. Other typical causes of TMJ include a jaw injury in the ball and socket of the joint or arthritis in the joint. Dr. Throop might order digital x-rays of your lower head along with a bite analysis to search for underlying causes that may determine your treatment approach. TMD patients report that symptoms seem to worsen during prolonged periods of stress, which results in tooth and jaw pain. Your TMJ treatment will be based on the cause of your TMD and your particular condition, but a few options include oral appliances (night or mouth guards), bite modification, dental restorations (bridges, crowns, and dentures), and much more.

City of Oaks Dental also offers leading-edge technology with the Multiwave Lock System (MLS) laser and BioPAK Jaw Diagnostic System to treat TMD and craniofacial pain. The MLS laser is a photobiomodulation laser that relieves pain, stimulates the production of enzymes to promote faster healing, reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles and muscle spasms, speeds tissue repair, and enhances the immune system. The BioPAK system measures the range of function of the mandible and chewing muscles. This type of biometric technology allows Dr. Throop to make a fully informed decision about treatment and expected results.

What to Expect After TMJ/TMD Treatment?

Along with treatments to fix the root cause of your temporomandibular joint disorder, City of Oaks Dental may recommend other ways to ease pain and other unwanted symptoms on your own. This includes a liquid or soft food diet, not chewing gum and biting your nails, heat packs on your jaw, and some relaxation techniques. Dr. Throop can provide additional advice for strengthening your jaw or relaxing the area. Continue to attend follow-up appointments so our team can monitor your progress and make sure that your jaw is healing properly as expected.

Treat Jaw Pain Today

Pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) makes it tough to chew, talk, and enjoy your day-to-day life. Since there are many potential causes, symptoms, and remedies for TMD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vivian Throop at her practice in Raleigh, NC. She will give you a thorough examination before making a diagnosis and discussing the different treatments available. Contact our team at City of Oaks Dental to get more information and schedule your appointment.

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TMJ/TMD Treatment FAQs

What are the symptoms of TMD?

The most common symptoms of TMD include pain in and around the jaw, clicking or popping noises when moving the jaw, headaches, limited range of motion in the jaw, earaches, dizziness, neck aches, and tiredness in the facial muscles after chewing. It's important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Throop if you experience any of these symptoms.

How can I prevent TMD?

Practicing good oral hygiene, eating soft foods, avoiding sudden or hard jaw movements, and maintaining a healthy diet are all great ways to help prevent TMD. City of Oaks Dental also recommends stress management techniques like breathing exercises or yoga to reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Does TMD treatment hurt?

TMD treatment is designed to reduce your overall pain and discomfort. Though our treatment options in Raleigh, NC may be uncomfortable at first, our main goal is to help you find relief. We are proud to offer state-of-the-art tools like the Multiwave Lock System laser and BioPAK Jaw Diagnostic System that make the process as seamless and effective as possible.

How long does TMD treatment take?

The duration of TMD treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. Some individuals may find relief with conservative measures within a few weeks, while others with more complex cases may require ongoing management for an extended period.

Are there noninvasive options for TMD treatment?

Yes, many TMD treatments are noninvasive, including oral appliances, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Nonsurgical approaches are typically explored before considering more invasive options.

Can stress contribute to TMD?

Yes, stress can exacerbate TMD issues by causing clenching or grinding of the teeth, leading to increased tension in the jaw muscles. Stress management techniques may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.

City of Oaks Dental Reviews

The TMJ evaluation was very thorough and Kaitlin and Dr. Throop explained all the tests and procedures in clear detail.

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