TMJ Treatment Dentist Hudsonville, MIEveryone has one temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on either side of their face that connects the jawbone to the skull. You can think of them like hinges that allow for proper chewing, speaking, and overall jaw movement. When there’s joint dysfunction, however, TMJ disorder treatment is often a necessity. Our Hudsonville TMJ dentists can assess the severity of your condition and help you find relief, thus improving your quality of life.

Learn more about treatment for a TMJ disorder below.

When Do I Need TMJ Treatment?

TMJ disorders can be difficult to self-diagnose, but certain symptoms are strong indicators. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with TMJ dysfunction:

  • Jaw pain
  • Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Pain around your ear
  • Facial muscle tension
  • Difficulty or pain while eating (limited jaw mobility)
  • Popping, clicking, or grinding sounds when moving your jaw
  • Jaws locked in place while mouth is open or closed

During your appointment, one of our local TMJ dentists will examine and feel along your jaw for abnormalities. We’ll also ask you to open and close your mouth so we can examine your bite and listen for clicking sounds that would further cement a TMJ disorder diagnosis.

For some, the discomfort associated with a TMJ disorder is mild and intermittent, while others may experience constant pain that interferes with daily life. The underlying causes can vary, including jaw misalignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, arthritis, family history, or injury to the jaw.

How Do I Treat a TMJ Disorder?

Inside our Hudsonville, MI, dental office, treating a TMJ disorder centers around relieving pain, restoring jaw function, and addressing the root causes of the condition. Home remedies often include targeted jaw exercises, the use of a heating pad or ice pack, the consumption of soft foods, and more.

If at-home solutions aren’t working, our dentists may recommend a custom TMJ bite splint or night guard to wear while you sleep. The appliance prevents contact between your upper and lower teeth, thus giving the jaw joints a rest. Surgery is a last resort if other forms of TMJ pain relief aren’t successful. Depending on your unique circumstances, we may refer you to a TMJ specialist.

Schedule a TMJ Disorder Evaluation

Our TMJ dentists in Hudsonville, MI, can help you protect your smile and relieve your jaw pain. Call Hudsonville Dental today at (616) 209-4024, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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