Jaw pain and an odd clicking sound. These worsening symptoms are part of your daily life. At Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics in Santa Rosa Beach and Defuniak, FL, we offer TMJ treatment for better comfort and jaw joint function. Let your dentists, Dr. Michael O'Donnell, Dr. Courtney Wright, and Dr. Chris Farrugia help you with this quirky oral health issue. You can feel much better!
What is TMJ?
It stands for temporomandibular joint and refers to the two hinge-like joints between your upper mandible and lower jaw bone. Complex in movement and structure, the TMJ has a bone, muscle, connective tissue, and a cushion-like disc. Unfortunately, it is prone to arthritis, dislocation due to injury and TMJ/TMD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
About 12 million people in the US have TMJ/TMD, and most are women, says MedicalNewsToday. These people suffer from:
- Strange clicking and popping noises which come from the jaw and mouth
- Jaw swelling and tenderness
- Faulty jaw operation (jaw is stuck open or shut or operates stiffly)
- Headaches and ear and facial pain
Most TMJ/TMD is quirky, with symptoms coming and going. Stress seems to increase the problem. For people with persistent dysfunction, the problem is very frustrating, impacting activities of daily living. It's why we offer TMJ treatment here in Santa Rosa Beach.
Getting TMJ treatment
At Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics in Santa Rosa Beach and Defuniak FL, our professional staff will listen to your symptoms, examine your mouth, teeth, and jaw operation and take X-rays and other imaging as required. For most patients, conservative, short-term interventions manage symptoms. Other people, however, may require more substantial treatment. Dr. O'Donnell, Dr. Wright, or Dr. Farrugia will tailor your care plan to your unique situation.
TMJ treatment offered in Santa Rosa Beach include:
- Application of moist heat to the jaw
- A soft diet
- Muscle relaxants
- Stretching exercises
- Cortisone shots to relieve inflammation in the joint
- Ibuprofen for pain and inflammation
- A custom-fitted acrylic bite guard to protect against teeth clenching and grinding
- Crowns or orthodontic treatment to even dental bite
People with acquired or congenital jaw deformities may require surgery for the best results.
Get your life back
At Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics, we offer TMJ treatments that work. For more information and a consultation with Dr. Michael O'Donnell, Dr. Chris Farrugia, or Dr. Courtney Wright, call one of our two locations. In Santa Rosa Beach, phone (850) 622-5888. In DeFuniak Springs, call the office team at (850) 892-2500.