San Francisco and Marin CA
TMJ disorder can cause persistent discomfort that affects your head, face, and sometimes even other areas of your body. If left untreated, this pain can interfere with daily activities like work, sleep, and concentration. Fortunately, there are several dental treatments designed to relieve TMJ pain and help prevent it from returning.
1. Muscle Relaxation Techniques
Tension and tightness in the jaw and neck muscles are often major contributors to TMJ pain. Easing this muscle stress can significantly reduce discomfort. Simple lifestyle changes like avoiding teeth clenching and performing facial muscle stretches can help relax these muscles.
In addition, many dental offices offer in-office therapies using devices such as a TENS machine. This treatment delivers gentle electrical impulses to relax the muscles, providing temporary pain relief. While muscle relaxation can ease symptoms, it is usually part of a broader treatment plan to address the root cause of your TMJ issues.
2. Custom Orthotic Appliances
Orthotics are specially designed devices that fit comfortably over your teeth to help realign your jaw and reduce muscle strain. These appliances guide your jaw into a more natural position, minimizing tension and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder.
Because orthotics are custom-made to fit your unique dental structure, they are both effective and comfortable, making them one of the most popular options for managing TMJ symptoms.
3. Full Mouth Reconstruction
Sometimes TMJ pain stems from a misaligned bite or other dental issues like missing teeth. When your teeth don’t meet properly, it forces your jaw to compensate, which can result in TMJ symptoms.
A full mouth reconstruction involves various dental restorations designed to restore your bite and improve the overall function of your teeth. This may include replacing missing teeth, reshaping, or straightening your teeth to create a balanced, healthy bite. Correcting these issues often provides lasting relief from TMJ pain more effectively than temporary measures.
Don’t Let TMJ Pain Control Your Life
Living with chronic TMJ discomfort can severely impact your quality of life, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms, reach out to Glen Park Dental for expert evaluation and personalized care.
Call us today at (415) 799-3900 or visit us at 4 Joost Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131 to schedule your consultation. Our team is committed to identifying the cause of your TMJ pain and offering tailored dental solutions to restore your comfort and improve your jaw function.
