Everything You Need to Know About TMD Treatment in Charlotte, NC

Are you experiencing unexplained jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth? It might not just be a sign of stress—it could be a temporomandibular joint disorder, known as TMD. TMD is a condition that affects the jaw joint, also called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the muscles that control jaw movement. TMD can be a stressful condition, but with the help of Dr. Susana Junco and Dr. Gregory Camp, you can receive TMD treatment at Charlotte Progressive Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about TMD treatment, from understanding the disorder to exploring various treatment options and providing you with prevention strategies. 

Understanding TMD 

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a medical condition that involves dysfunction and pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

TMD can occur due to several factors, such as:

• Trauma to the jaw
• Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
• Bruxism (grinding of the teeth)
• Arthritis in the joint

You may be more at risk if you have a genetic predisposition, have a history of dental problems, or suffer from chronic stress. Symptoms of TMD can be both chronic and acute, with common indicators being:

• Pain or tenderness around the jaw
• Aching pain in and around the ear
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
• Aching facial pain

Understanding the root cause of your TMD symptoms is vital in devising an effective treatment plan. If you have been experiencing pain in your jaw and find it difficult to open and close your mouth, especially when eating foods like an apple, please schedule a consultation with us today to see if TMD is causing your pain. 

Diagnosis Process

Diagnosing TMD involves a comprehensive examination by Dr. Camp or Dr. Junco, including a review of your medical history and an assessment of your head and neck. Additionally, diagnostic tests such as X-rays and CBCT scans rule out other conditions and provide Dr. Camp or Dr. Junco with a clear picture of the joint and surrounding structures. We may occasionally recommend an MRI, but this is only sometimes necessary. 

Treatment Options for TMD

When it comes to treating TMD, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the specific factors contributing to your condition.

Lifestyle Changes

In milder cases of TMD, making simple lifestyle changes can often alleviate symptoms. These changes may include:

• Eating soft foods
• Avoiding extreme jaw movements
• Modifying behaviors, such as biting your nails or grinding your teeth

By making these adjustments, you can reduce the strain on your jaw joint and allow the muscles to relax.

Pain Management Techniques

To help manage pain associated with TMD, over-the-counter pain relievers can be a short-term solution. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Camp or Dr. Junco before taking any medication, as they can recommend the most appropriate options for you. 

Dental Treatments

For patients whose TMD occurs due to dental issues, such as malocclusion or bruxism, specific dental treatments may be effective, including:

• Orthotic Device: Employed to realign and stabilize the jaw, an orthotic device serves as a non-invasive solution for managing temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
• Platelet-Rich Fibrin Injections: By harnessing platelets’ regenerative power, Platelet-Rich Fibrin Injections offer a cutting-edge therapeutic approach to alleviate pain and promote tissue healing in TMD patients.
• Trigger Point Injections: Trigger point injections involve precise medication administration to alleviate muscle knots and tension associated with temporomandibular disorders.
• Braces: Braces provide orthodontic support and play a crucial role in TMD treatment by correcting misalignments and optimizing jaw function to alleviate discomfort and improve oral health.

We proudly offer these treatments at Charlotte Progressive Dentistry as we know they are excellent solutions to help ease the symptoms of TMD for several of our patients. 

Surgical Interventions

In severe and rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct TMD. Dr. Junco and Dr. Camp focus on relieving TMD symptoms through conservative techniques first, but if they do not work, we will move on to the next step, surgery. If you end up requiring surgery for TMD, we will send in a referral to an oral surgeon. 

Self-Care Tips for TMD

Self-care plays a critical role in TMD treatment and can complement your professional care. Here are some self-care practices you can consider:

• Home Remedies: Simple home remedies can go a long way in managing TMD symptoms. Applying a cold or warm compress to the jaw joint, massaging the muscles around your jaw, and practicing relaxation techniques can relieve and promote healing.
• Exercises and Stretches: By performing specific exercises and stretches recommended by Dr. Camp or Dr. Junco, you can improve the strength and flexibility of your jaw muscles. Some joint jaw exercises include opening and closing your mouth gradually, resistance exercises using your hand, and side-to-side movements of the jaw.

Prevention Strategies for TMD

While not all cases of TMD can be prevented, there are some strategies you can adopt to minimize the risk of developing the disorder. Simple measures to avoid excessive strain on your jaw joint can help prevent TMD. These include:

• We encourage patients to be mindful of their jaw movements.
• Focus on not clenching or grinding your teeth.
• Avoid activities that require you to keep your mouth open for extended periods.

By being conscientious about these factors, you can reduce the likelihood of developing TMD.

Benefits of Receiving TMD Treatment

1. Pain Relief – the First Step to Recovery: By addressing muscle spasms with physical therapy and joint inflammation with medication, patients can experience a significant reduction in pain. These custom-made devices protect teeth from the effects of grinding, which can exacerbate TMD symptoms. Pain relief medications can offer temporary respite, but the real triumph lies in tailored treatments that aim to eliminate the source of the pain over time.
2. Improved Jaw Function and Mobility: TMD treatment strategies hone in on these functional barriers to restore a patient’s ability to eat, speak, and yawn without discomfort or limitation. Orthodontic procedures may be necessary for severe cases of misalignment, where the teeth and jaws reposition to alleviate stress on the TMJ. Occlusal adjustments are another means to ensure that the timing and force of the patient’s bite are in sync with their jaw’s capacity. 
3. Better Oral Health – TMD’s Unseen Perk: An indirect benefit of TMD treatment is often an improvement in overall oral health. Dental alignment issues or untreated TMD can lead to significant wear and tear on teeth. This degradation and the effects of teeth grinding can eventually necessitate extensive dental work. By addressing the underlying TMD concerns, patients find relief and prevent future dental problems.
4. Enhanced Quality of Life: The most significant benefit of TMD treatment is strengthening a patient’s quality of life. Chronic facial pain and tension can be not only physically grueling but also mentally taxing. Patients often find that as their TMD symptoms are controlled, they experience increased energy levels, better sleep, and a rejuvenated outlook.

TMD Treatment in Charlotte, NC

Although some cases of TMD can be avoided, not everyone can avoid this unfortunate disorder. Fortunately, there are solutions to help ease your pain and give you a life where you’re not struggling with jaw pain, clicking and popping, or facial swelling. If you suspect you may have TMD, seeking professional help is crucial. Dr. Susana Junco or Dr. Gregory Camp can provide an accurate diagnosis and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms.

Remember, the key to successful TMD treatment is early intervention. By being proactive and taking control of your oral health, you can alleviate your symptoms and prevent TMD from affecting your daily life. Don’t suffer in silence—contact our dental office today and take the first step towards a pain-free smile.