TMD/TMJ Treatment in St. Augustine, FL
Treat the root cause of your jaw pain
Most people use the term TMJ to refer to many different types of jaw issues. The truth, however, is TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. If you have a disorder of the joint it may be referred to in broad terms as TMJ or TMD (temporal mandibular disorder). The good news is that your St. Augustine dentist, Dr. Jeremy Gordon can sit down with you and discuss the details of any issues you may be experiencing with your jaw.
Symptoms of TMD/TMJ
TMD/TMJ symptoms may include:
- Ear pain
- Jaw pain when you chew
- Clicking noise when you open or close your mouth
- Facial pain and discomfort
- Locking of the jaw joint when attempting to open the mouth
Often it is difficult to determine why people suffer from TMD. If you suffer from any of the symptoms associated with TMD the first course of action is over the counter and/or home remedies to alleviate the pain. Some things to try include:
- Placing a warm or cold compress on the face/jaw area
- Taking an anti-inflammatory
- Eating soft foods
If however, your symptoms continue you should talk to your doctor or dentist.
How to Treat TMD/TMJ
Depending on your individual case you may experience any of the following treatments for your TMD/TMJ:
- Prescription pain/muscle relaxant medications
- Physical therapy
- Orthodontics
- Counseling
- Surgery
- Oral appliance
Dr. Jeremy Gordon can fit his patients with a pain-relieving oral appliance called an NTI (nociceptive trigeminal inhibitory).
Treatment with an NTI Oral Appliance
An NTI appliance is a small plastic night guard that fits between your bite in order to prevent clenching (bruxism). Because the device fits in a way that only a few front teeth connect, the TM joint is unable to contract while the patient is wearing the appliance. The prevention of the joint from contracting can provide relief from the pain and irritation in the joint.
If you suspect TMD/TMJ and would like to talk to someone, please visit your St. Augustine dentist, Dr. Gordon at Gordon Dental Associates for an assessment. We can help you get a great night’s sleep! Call us at (904) 460-0999.
