TMJ Treatment in Omaha
TMJD Headache Treatment
Overview
Are you suffering from migraines, frequent headaches, jaw pain, or an aching pain in your face? These are all symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMJD. This condition can make chewing, talking, and other daily activities painful and difficult.
At Legacy Dental, we have a variety of treatment options available for our patients who suffer from TMJD. Dr. Semerad and Dr. Larsen provide a complete evaluation of the jaw and mouth to determine the best treatment options for each individual patient. You don’t need to keep suffering with headaches and jaw pain!
What Causes TMJD? Signs of TMJD.
Many things can contribute to the development of TMJD. Stress can be a factor, as well as anything that can cause tension in the jaw and surrounding muscle groups.
A few common causes can be:
- Grinding teeth or clenching your jaw (also referred to as bruxism)
- Injury to the neck or jaw from a trauma such as an auto accident.
- Improper bite alignment
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Dislocation or erosion of the joint
What Is TMJD?
The Temporomandibular Joints are located on both sides of the face, just in front of the ears. These joints allow the lower jaw (mandible) to move in relation to the upper jaw (maxilla.) These joints are stabilized by muscles and other soft tissues. There is a disc, or cushion, which lies in the space between the lower and upper jaw.
- Ear aches, ear infections and or hearing problems
- Jaw locking or stuck in the open- or closed-mouth position
- Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders
- Pain or tenderness in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
- Unusual clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (can be with or without pain)
- Opening the jaw and experiencing lots of pain
- Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
- Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite, as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
- Swelling on one or both sides of the face
- Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, recurrent headaches, neck aches, dizziness, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis)
How Can TMJD Treatment Help?
Treatment of TMJD is dependent on the cause of symptoms. Dr. Semerad and Dr. Larsen have sought out extensive additional training treating this often misunderstood disorder and she is experienced in determining the underlying cause of symptoms. Treatment modalities may include in-office stretching of muscles, home exercises, appliance therapy, treatment of underlying sleep apnea (as sometimes patients clench or grind teeth during sleep to disrupt an apneic event), correction of underlying bite problems, and Botox® or Xeomin® therapy of muscular trigger points.
