TMJ issues can disrupt your life and make it difficult to enjoy daily activities. If you need relief from jaw pain, call River District Smiles Dentistry. Our experienced doctors offer comfortable oral appliances to treat your condition and reduce your pain.
Do you live with persistent jaw discomfort, stiffness, or pain? You may have a temporomandibular joint disorder. A temporomandibular joint disorder can cause difficulty speaking, chewing, or opening and closing your mouth. That’s why it’s important to seek care from a trained dentist so you can find relief from your condition. Schedule a consultation with the experienced doctors at River District Smiles Dentistry for TMJ treatment for the care you need to get your life back.
What is a TMJ Dentist Treatment?
Your temporomandibular joint, known as a TMJ, is the hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. The TMJ lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side, giving you the full range of motion needed to speak, yawn, and eat. When an issue with the TMJ and surrounding muscles arises, we call the condition a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The terms TMJ and TMD are used interchangeably, but your dentist will refer to your condition as TMD.
Do I need a TMJ Dentist Treatment?
The exact cause of TMJ cases can often be difficult to determine. Depending on the patient, TMD may be caused by issues with the facial muscles surrounding the joint or parts of the jaw joint itself. Your disorder may also be caused by a combination of different health factors, such as:
- Family history and genetics
- Arthritis
- An injury to your face, jaw, or neck
- Clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep
- Severe long-term stress, which can cause your facial muscles to tighten
Your case depends on your unique treatment needs. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you experience any issues with your jaws to learn how we can help you find relief.
What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD?
TMD often causes severe discomfort or pain, which can last weeks, months, or years. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, neck, shoulders, or around your ears
- Pain in one or both of your jaw joints
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Severe or persistent facial pain
- Jaws that lock or “get stuck,” making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Other symptoms can include:
- Toothaches
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Hearing problems
How Is TMJ/TMD Treated?
To determine if you have TMD, schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your jaw joints and check for clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw. Our team will also test your bite and check for problems with your facial muscles.
At River District Smiles Dentistry, our doctors use comfortable oral appliances to treat TMD. The standard TMJ appliance is called a stabilization splint, although it’s more commonly known as a bite guard, bite plate, or mouthguard. This splint is made of acrylic resin and fits comfortably over your upper or lower teeth. The appliance covers your teeth and repositions your jaw. This prevents contact between your top and bottom teeth, preventing damage from grinding or clenching and alleviating your jaw pain.
Do You Accept Walk-ins And Same-day Appointments?
At River District Smiles Dentistry, we welcome walk-ins. Our team makes sure to see our patients as promptly as possible. If you’ve experienced a dental injury, we also offer emergency appointments as scheduling permits. For gentle same-day care, call or visit your trusted local Rock Hill dentist today!
Do You Accept Insurance?
Yes, our office accepts most major insurance plans and will make sure that we provide you with every piece of information to help maximize your dental plan.
OUR DENTAL AMENITIES
BEVERAGE BAR
BEVERAGE BAR
Enjoy something to drink while you wait in our modern lobby.
VIDEO GAMES
VIDEO GAMES
Time will fly for our young patients.
BLANKETS AND PILLOWS
BLANKETS AND PILLOWS
For extra comfort, feel free to request a pillow or blanket.
FLAT-SCREEN TVS
FLAT-SCREEN TVS
Our modern treatment rooms include flat-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure.
WARM, SCENTED TOWELS
WARM, SCENTED TOWELS
Feel refreshed at the end of your visit.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GENERAL DENTISTRY
TRUST YOUR LOCAL ROCK HILL DENTISTS FOR GENERAL DENTISTRY!
Choose River District Smiles Dentistry for your family’s general dentistry needs! Call your trusted Rock Hill dentists at (803) 590-9525 to schedule an appointment today. We create smiles you can be proud of, providing unparalleled patient service every step of the way!
