TMJ Treatment
When stress is put on the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, it can become dysfunctional and painful. Problems can occur with the joint, tendons and muscles in the jaw, referred to as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or TMD. There are approximately 10 million Americans that suffer from TMJ disorders, many caused by dental misalignment. Dr. Wayne Suway specializes in TMJ treatment to give our patients from Smyrna, Sandy Springs and the Atlanta area relief from their symptoms.
Many times, TMJ disorders are caused by stress put on the jaw joint due to poor alignment of the teeth and jaw. This constant misalignment can be the source of the pain and discomfort felt by those suffering from TMD. Correcting the causes of the misalignment can relieve stress on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues. Dr. Suway offers a variety of treatment options to adjust alignment, alleviating the discomfort and dysfunction that often accompanies TMJ disorders.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Those with TMJ disorders can have a wide variety of symptoms. Some are localized in the jaw area, while others may radiate to the head, ears and neck. It is possible to have TMD and not have localized pain. When this occurs, TMJ disorders are often misdiagnosed and improperly treated. Patients may have one or several of the following symptoms with TMD:
- Localized jaw and face pain
- Popping, clicking or grinding when opening and closing the jaw
- Ear aches
- Neck pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Locking jaw
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
When these symptoms are present, it is important to have a comprehensive exam performed to identify whether it is a TMJ disorder. If left untreated, TMD can continue to put stress on the jaw and teeth and may require surgery to correct. If diagnosed and treated early, the condition can be reversed and more invasive treatments may be avoided.
Diagnosis and Treatment of TMD
Dr. Suway uses his extensive experience in dentistry and TMJ disorders to carefully perform exams on those experiencing TMD symptoms. TMJ disorders can be identified through performing x-rays and a physical exam, as well as utilizing a TMJ Doppler unit. This specialized tool can detect temporomandibular joint noises that can be instrumental in diagnosing TMD and the extent of the damage.
When TMD is the diagnosis, Dr. Suway will look at the underlying causes to determine the best treatment. Each patient is unique, and treatment needs to be customized to address the issues causing misalignment or jaw joint stress. Addressing bite alignment is often the key to relieving symptoms. Broken or misshaped teeth, over/under bites and other issues can affect alignment. Fixing these issues can be crucial in relieving TMJ symptoms. Dr. Suway may recommend a temporary bite guard to align the teeth and jaw until permanent treatment can be performed. Changing the shape of the teeth, using dental restoration treatments, orthodontics or permanent bite guards may be recommended for long-term relief.
Get Relief from TMJ Symptoms
If you live in Smyrna or Sandy Springs and have suffered from the symptoms of TMD, find relief by visiting Dr. Wayne Suway in Atlanta. Dr. Suway is a master dentist with over 30 years in practice, offering advanced dentistry options for treating TMJ disorders. He can perform a comprehensive exam to diagnose TMD and determine the best options for treatment.
Contact our office today to schedule your TMJ exam and consultation for treatment. Our clinic accepts most forms of dental insurance and CareCredit, as well as multiple forms of payment. Call today to start your journey to freedom from TMJ disorder discomfort.
