If you suffer from chronic jaw pain, you may have a TMJ disorder.
The temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint, can cause pain and other symptoms when patients have trauma to the jaw or teeth, misaligned teeth, and inflammatory conditions. These symptoms are a part of TMJ disorders that affect many patients in the U.S.
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht and his experienced dental care team offer TMJ disorder treatment in Indianapolis, Indiana. Treating TMJ disorders at the source can help you restore your smile for years to come.
Dr. Ahlbrecht has advanced training from the Dawson Academy in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and bite problems. He focuses on occlusion and the overall oral health and function of the individual patient. Dawson Academy post-graduate training provides a comprehensive approach to your treatment to address the underlying problem for a stable and lasting outcome. In addition to treating TMJ disorders, we provide restorative dentistry services.
Common Signs of TMJ Disorders
Be aware of these symptoms:
- Jaw pain
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Ear pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Popping or clicking in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing
- Tooth pain
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Chronic fatigue
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
If you have noticed any of these signs of a TMJ disorder, call our dentist in Indianapolis, IN at 317.204.7134. Our dental specialists will help you find a treatment option that best aligns with your personal goals, budget, and oral health.
Treating TMJ In-Office at North Meridian Dental Excellence
Oral appliance therapy, or using a mouth guard, is often the most effective option for relieving painful TMJ symptoms. A mouthguard can fit comfortably in the mouth and realign the upper and lower jaw. The appliance holds the jaw in place while allowing the muscles and jaw joints to relax. This method is especially useful in treating TMJ pain due to teeth grinding.
Dr. Ahlbrecht custom designs and fabricates mouth guards in-office using CEREC. He creates digital impressions of teeth for a precise fit to improve dental health. Prevent teeth grinding and jaw pain with the oral appliance therapy method.
TMJ Disorder and Treatment FAQs
What helps TMJ go away?
The best thing to do to help relieve TMJ issues is to minimize large jaw movements. Patients may exercise their jaw and stretch to minimize pain while speaking or chewing. Another good way to help TMJ go away is to limit stress in one’s life and get into a routine sleep schedule.
What causes TMJ to flare up?
The main reason for TMJ flare-ups is stress. This leads to patients grinding their teeth and clenching their jaw subconsciously. The best way to lessen the effects of flare-ups is to identify the stressors in one’s life and attempt to eliminate them.
How long does TMJ treatment last?
On average, TMJ treatment lasts between 18 months to 3 years. A common form of therapy you can do at home is jaw massaging, stretching, and exercising. Patients must remember that treatment takes time, so they may not see immediate results.
What treatment is best for TMJ?
The most common treatment for TMJ is to wear a bite guard. Studies have shown that bite guards reduce the symptoms and long term side effects of TMJ. Bite guards can also reduce TMJ pain.
Can TMJ change your face?
TMJ may alter facial shape. Facial symmetry and bite may change due to muscular tension. TMJ may also cause the jaw to swell, making the face appear swollen and square shaped.
Where do you massage to help relieve TMJ?
The best place to massage TMJ is to massage directly below your cheekbones. While doing this we recommend that you keep your jaw as relaxed as possible for best results. Press two to three fingers against each area for about five seconds. This should help relieve TMJ pain.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Do you believe you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder? Stop jaw and facial pain today. Call North Meridian Dental Care’s Indianapolis, IN office for treatment at 317.204.7134 or request a consultation with one of our dentists on our website. Our office staff aims to provide a relaxing and friendly environment for every patient that visits. They will answer any further questions you may have about our dental services or your particular treatment.