San Francisco and Marin CA
If you’re dealing with the discomfort and pain of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, you’ve likely already experienced some relief through initial treatments. But for lasting results, Phase II TMJ treatment could be your next step. At Glen Park Dental in San Francisco, Dr. Kimberlee Dickerson offers personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief from TMJ pain and ensure your jaw’s health and function for the future.
Phase II treatment is designed to address the root causes of your TMJ disorder, focusing on realigning your bite and restoring balance to your jaw, so that you can enjoy a pain-free life. Here’s what you need to know about Phase II TMJ treatment and how it can improve your overall dental and jaw health.
What is Phase II TMJ Treatment?
Phase II of TMJ treatment is designed to build on the foundation set by Phase I. While Phase I is focused on immediate relief from pain and inflammation through methods like bite splints, physical therapy, or medication, Phase II takes a deeper approach to address the causes of your TMJ disorder. This phase involves more comprehensive care that may include corrective dental procedures, orthodontics, and other techniques to restore your jaw’s natural function.
At Glen Park Dental, Dr. Kimberlee Dickerson develops an individualized treatment plan to tackle the underlying issues of your TMJ condition, ensuring that your jaw remains healthy and pain-free over the long term.
Core Elements of Phase II Treatment
Phase II treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs, but it often includes a combination of the following techniques:
1. Bite Realignment
Misaligned bites are often the main culprit behind TMJ pain. In Phase II treatment, Dr. Dickerson will work to align your bite correctly, relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joint. By ensuring that your teeth fit together properly, the jaw can move freely and without strain, helping to reduce the chronic pain caused by TMJ disorders.
2. Orthodontic Treatment
For many patients, Phase II treatment may involve orthodontic care, including braces or clear aligners. Orthodontic treatment helps realign the teeth and jaw, preventing further strain on the TMJ. If needed, Dr. Dickerson will assess whether braces or aligners are necessary to correct any bite issues that could be contributing to your TMJ discomfort.
3. Dental Restorations
Worn or damaged teeth can exacerbate TMJ issues. In Phase II treatment, dental restorations may be used to restore damaged teeth, improve bite function, and reduce pressure on the jaw. This could include crowns, veneers, or bridges to restore the natural structure of your teeth and enhance the overall alignment of your bite.
4. Muscle Relaxation Techniques
TMJ pain is often accompanied by tightness and spasms in the jaw muscles. As part of Phase II, Dr. Dickerson may incorporate muscle relaxation techniques to relieve tension and prevent further discomfort. By relaxing the jaw muscles, you can experience better jaw mobility and reduced pain from muscle spasms.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
After the initial treatment and realignment, Phase II care includes consistent monitoring to ensure your jaw is functioning correctly. Dr. Dickerson will track your progress and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal jaw health. Ongoing care is essential to prevent the return of TMJ symptoms and to ensure that your treatment results are long-lasting.
The Benefits of Phase II Treatment
Phase II treatment for TMJ offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Long-term pain relief: By addressing the root causes of your TMJ disorder, Phase II treatment helps provide sustained relief from the pain that may have been affecting your daily life.
- Improved jaw function: With a properly aligned bite and corrected jaw structure, your jaw will function more effectively, allowing for easier eating, talking, and general movement without discomfort.
- Enhanced quality of life: As TMJ pain decreases, you’ll experience an improvement in your overall quality of life, with fewer headaches, jaw aches, and ear pain.
- Prevention of future issues: Phase II treatment not only resolves current issues but helps to prevent future TMJ problems by aligning your bite and ensuring that your jaw is in optimal health.
Are You Ready for Phase II TMJ Treatment?
If you’ve experienced relief from Phase I treatment but want to take the next step toward long-term comfort and jaw health, Phase II TMJ treatment could be the solution you need. At Glen Park Dental in San Francisco, Dr. Kimberlee Dickerson is ready to help you restore function to your jaw and eliminate the discomfort caused by TMJ disorders.
Dr. Dickerson will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if Phase II treatment is right for you, and she will create a personalized plan to help you achieve optimal results. Don’t let TMJ pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation with Glen Park Dental today and take the next step toward a pain-free jaw and healthier smile.
