Treatment TMJ and a Custom Mouthguard in San Diego, CA

The Innovative Approach to TMJ: 

Treatment and a Custom Mouthguard

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ as it is commonly known, is a complex condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. It involves the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is injured or damaged, it can lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even headaches.

Understanding TMJ

The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, capable of moving in multiple directions to enable chewing and speaking. When everything is functioning correctly, we don't give this joint much thought. However, when issues such as misalignment, injury, or degenerative conditions like arthritis occur, the resulting pain and dysfunction can be profound. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person but may include jaw pain, clicking or popping noises when moving the jaw, headaches, earaches, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and even changes in how the teeth fit together.

Treating TMJ

At our dental practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive and effective treatments for TMJ. The first step in treating TMJ involves a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, dental and medical history, and a physical examination of your jaw and mouth. Depending on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder, treatment options may include:

Medication: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

Physical Therapy: This may involve exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, improving their function.

Oral Appliances: Custom-made oral devices or splints can help align the jaw correctly, relieving pressure on the joint and alleviating symptoms.

Creating Your Custom Mouthguard

In many cases, especially where the TMJ disorder is related to teeth grinding or clenching, a custom-made mouthguard is an effective treatment option. Our practice is at the forefront of dental technology and we utilize digital scanning to create highly accurate and personalized mouthguards.

Digital scanning involves capturing a detailed, 3D image of your mouth using non-invasive technology. This provides us with an accurate representation of your teeth and jaw, which we use to design your custom mouthguard. The result is a comfortable, perfect-fitting device that protects your teeth and jaw while you sleep, helping alleviate the symptoms of TMJ.

Our comprehensive approach to treating TMJ combines expert knowledge, patient-centered care, and cutting-edge technology. Our aim is not only to relieve your symptoms but also to improve your overall oral health and quality of life. With our advanced digital scanning technology, we can create custom mouthguards that offer superior protection and comfort, offering a highly effective treatment option for TMJ.

Remember, you don't have to live with the discomfort of TMJ. Reach out to us today and let us help you on your journey to a healthier, pain-free smile.