TMJ treatment begins with a thorough exam of your teeth and jaw. Impressions of your teeth, x-rays will be taken. Dr. Carter will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms and examine the joint as you open and close your mouth. The exams and tests are all done in order for TMJ to properly diagnose your condition in order to create the best treatment plan for you.
Your treatment for TMJ may include one or more of the following:
Replace Missing Teeth
When one or more teeth are missing, other teeth shift in the mouth, altering your bite. (how your lower teeth and upper teeth fit together) As a result, the joint is altered and becomes unbalanced.
Correcting Occlusion
Crowns, bridges, and/or orthodontic treatment may be needed to adjust how your upper and lower teeth come together. If your teeth do not come together properly when your mouth is closed or when you chew, the joint can’t function properly.
Medications and Hot/Cold Compresses
These are used to reduce swelling, relax the muscles, and relieve discomfort.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry refers to techniques used to move the jaw, muscle tissue, soft tissue, and fatty tissue of the face and joint back into their correct position, relieving symptoms and correcting TMJ disorders.
Not everybody is a candidate for TMJ treatment, the patient must be examined by a TMJ specialist to see if their problems are caused by TMJ disorder and if they qualify for treatment of TMJ disorder by a dentist.
Dr. Carter has been doing TMJ treatment for 30 years.
Make an appointment for a free examination and consultation today.