TMJ Treatment in Lawton
The temporomandibular joint is a crucial hinge connecting the jaw to the skull’s temporal bones. Thanks to the temporomandibular joint, abbreviated TMJ, you can move your jaw up and down and from one side to the other. This movement of the jaw enables you to talk, yawn and chew—all of which are crucial functions.
As with most things in the human body, the temporomandibular joint sometimes experiences problems. These problems are referred to as temporomandibular disorders or TMD. Some people say TMJ to (incorrectly) refer to TMD.
Robert Miracle, DMD offers treatment for temporomandibular disorders to patients in the Lawton area and beyond. Give us a call today if you’re experiencing pain or tenderness, or if you’re having difficulty when chewing or talking.
Causes of Temporomandibular Disorders
If you’re experiencing pain in your jaw and face areas, it may be as a result of one or several things, including:
- Whiplash
- Bruxism—the intense clenching and grinding of teeth
- Stress
- Movement of the disc of the joint
- Arthritis
What Happens During Your Appointment at Robert Miracle, DMD?
During your appointment, our dentist in Lawton will examine you to check for common indications of temporomandibular disorders. The dentist will listen for any popping or clicking sounds when you open and close your jaw. The dentist will further check to see if you’re able to open your mouth fully—this is to determine your range of motion. It’s also crucial for our dentist to decide whether or not you have any worrisome lumps or swellings under your chin and neck areas. This last check is conducted using physical touch—that is, the dentist will feel for any bumps in these areas.
If there are signs that something is wrong, the dentist may request a dental x-ray to obtain further information regarding the underlying state of your teeth, jaw, joint disk, and surrounding tissue.
TMJ Treatment Options at Robert Miracle, DMD
After a thorough consultation and examination, our dentist in Lawton will determine the best course of treatment for you. Depending on the underlying cause of the temporomandibular disorder, our dentist may recommend any of the following treatment options:
- Pain medication and anti-inflammatories
- Oral splints or mouthguard
- Counseling on how to avoid harmful habits that result in temporomandibular joint disorders
- Referral for surgical intervention in severe cases where the disorder isn’t responding to therapy
Do you suspect you have a temporomandibular disorder? Don’t allow pain to rule your life. Book an appointment with Robert Miracle, DMD today for diagnosis and treatment.