TMJ is a disorder that can be very challenging and frustrating for millions of patients each year. Because symptoms can vary by individual, it can often take a while before an accurate diagnosis is achieved. If you suspect that you might be suffering from TMJ, your dentist can be a great resource for diagnosis and relief. Dr. Fritz has an extensive knowledge of the oral anatomy and is committed to helping patients improve their quality of life through proper treatment of TMJ.
Before treatment can be effective, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. TMJ can affect individuals quite differently, with some symptoms appearing in certain individuals and not showing up at all for others. Another problem can be that some of the most common symptoms are popping or clicking jaws, which isn’t always caused by a TMJ disorder. In fact, issues with the jaw joint can also be a result of injury, arthritis, or even the result of bruxism.
Common symptoms of TMJ include:
Many patients come to us fearing that surgery is the only option to alleviate pain from TMJ. While some severe cases of TMJ do require surgery, it is rare. As a whole health dental provider, we take into account how different treatments will affect the mouth and the health of the entire body. We always aim to explore the most conservative treatment possible to achieve relief and help stressed joints.
In some cases, TMJ can be a temporary condition that resolves after several weeks of rest and ice. For other patients with chronic symptoms, relief can be found in custom orthotic devices that work to minimalize the stress on the jaw joints. These devices can be worn during sleep to effectively reduce painful symptoms of TMJ.
If you are in the Mesa, AZ area, call New Health Dental today at 877-943-3703 to set up a consultation to learn more about how we diagnose and treat TMJ.
