TMJ / TMD Treatment - Atlanta, GA
Escape Chronic Jaw Pain For Good
If jaw-related pain and significant headaches regularly plague your day-to-day routine, it may be time to inspect the harmony of your oral structures with Dr. Gaylor’s experienced assistance. TMJ disorder (also known as TMD) is a common, oftentimes debilitating health condition that occurs when dysfunction is present in and around the temporomandibular joints, which control essential movements like eating and speaking. Cosmetic Dentistry of Atlanta can arrange personalized therapy based on your specific circumstances and help you work towards true, lasting relief. Contact our Atlanta, GA dental office to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
Why Choose US for TMJ / TMD Treatment?
- SPEAR-Educated Dentist & Previous Faculty Member
- Emphasis on Conservative, Personalized Care
- Concierge-Level Customer Service & Amenities
Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. Gaylor will perform a comprehensive assessment of your jaw joints, rows of teeth, and overall bite in order to determine if TMJ disorder is occurring to some degree. The use of digital X-rays can also help reveal damage and strain that may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye. While this condition is complex and does not manifest identically from patient to patient, here are some common symptoms that should be brought to our team’s attention as soon as possible:
- Significant pain in the jaw, face, head, neck, or shoulders
- Jaw joints that regularly make clicking or popping noises
- Struggling to chew food and/or open the mouth without pain and difficulty
- Constant headaches, migraines, and earaches
Equilibration / Occlusal Adjustments
If the patient’s resting bite is noticeably uneven or misaligned, certain teeth may be experiencing undue pressure. This is likely to lead to chronic fatigue in the jaw and facial muscles over time. Dr. Gaylor can perform occlusal adjustment (also known as equilibration), which involves small, conservative changes being made to the surfaces of certain teeth in order to spread the biting force more consistently. By bringing back much-needed harmony to a patient’s overall smile, we can help genuinely alleviate many patient’s lingering TMD symptoms.
Occlusal Splints
Occlusal splints are very similar to traditional nightguards and can provide the same benefits. This custom-made device is capable of preventing chronic teeth grinding (a common source of TMJ disorder) and preventing gradual wear-and-tear to the enamel surfaces. Additionally, the splint can help reposition the patient’s resting jaw in a healthier, more stable way, reducing joint inflammation and giving the related muscles much-needed support and relief. In fact, some patients discover that the consistent use of their occlusal splint can eventually lead to permanent improvements.
