Non-invasive therapies to help manage your TMD or TMJ
Proper jaw function and a well-aligned bite are fundamental to the health and longevity of your teeth and smile. Every patient who enters our office will receive a full assessment of the movement and position of the jaw with regard to the complex system of teeth, bones, nerves, and musculature in the face to detect potential temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Dr. Simmons performs a technologically advanced, Doppler ultrasonic examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows him to evaluate joint pathology. In addition, Dr. Simmons utilizes X-ray and articulated impression models to evaluate each patient’s individual physiology and to diagnose any disorders that may exist.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can cause chronic facial pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, neck pain, clicking or popping of the jaw, and misaligned bite. Often these conditions are degenerative, worsening over time if they are not addressed with therapy. The main objective of TMD therapy is to restore proper physiological interaction between the joint, jaw, and teeth.
Dr. Simmons offers a wide range of noninvasive therapies to help manage your TMD:
- Bite guards are helpful to patients who grind their teeth, alleviating unnecessary strain on the teeth and jaw.
- Physical therapy and the use of anti-inflammatory medications can help relax and stretch facial muscles, relieving tension and inflammation that causes pain.
- Minimal bite adjustments can relieve uneven pressures on teeth to prevent further wear and fractures.
If these therapies are unable to reduce pain and restore a proper bite, Dr. Simmons can use restorative dentistry techniques (reshaping and modeling teeth with custom crowns and bridges) to regain optimal bite positioning and facilitate healthy jaw function. Contact us today for more information about TMD and the treatments we offer.
Read through testimonials from some of Dr. Simmons TMD patients and learn about the relief they found with TMD treatment.