Stay Ahead of Jaw pain and Headaches with TMJ Evaluation Services
At Vital Dental, our TMJ (temporomandibular joint) evaluation services are a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive care beyond standard treatments. Dr. Mitul Patel understands the “burden” of living with TMJ pain. We offer TMJ evaluation services in Sarasota, Florida, to catch TMJ disorder (TMD) in its earliest stage before it causes irreversible damage.
What is TMJ disorder? What are the symptoms?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint located on both sides of the head. TMJs connect the lower jaw to your skull and allow your mouth to move in almost every direction when talking, chewing, yawning, smiling, etc.
Like other joints, your TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions your joint against load, allowing the jaw to glide and open widely. The TMJ is a complex system, and any problem that affects this joint’s muscles, ligament, tendons, and discs may result in numerous unpleasant symptoms.
Some include:
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain/soreness
- Locked jaws
- Painful chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds when using your teeth
- Pain that radiates to the ears, shoulders, and neck
Several factors, including inflammation, injury, stress, and tooth grinding, can cause TMJ pain. Whatever the cause, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What should I expect from TMJ evaluation?
Evaluation is an important step in treating TMJ pain because TMD can mimic other conditions. TMJ disorder is a complex condition that affects jaw joints, muscles, nerves, and other nearby structures. Symptoms vary, too. Dr. Patel has extensive experience and training in diagnosing TMJ pain. Here’s what to expect during your TMJ evaluation.
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- Medical history: We’ll start by inquiring into your symptoms. The doctor will also dig into your lifestyle because activities like bruxism, smoking, nail biting, and chewing gum can create TMJ-related pain. Besides, daily household and work responsibilities may cause repetitive stress and prolonged poor posture, exacerbating TMJ pain.
- Preliminary examination: The dentist will assess your TMJ to determine its range of motion and the presence of tension or cracking sounds (crepitus). We’ll also check your occlusion to examine whether your jaws align properly.
- Diagnostic imaging: Digital x-rays and 3D scans help us to visualize your jaw joints, muscles, nerves, and other structures. The dentist correlates diagnostic imaging with preliminary findings to confirm your diagnosis.
How is TMJ pain treated?
TMJ evaluation helps the dentist determine the severity of your condition for precise treatment. Surgery is rarely involved. The dentist uses a custom-made nightguard to treat most TMJ cases. A customized nightguard fits snugly over your teeth to absorb and distribute the forces exerted by the jaw muscles during clenching or grinding. The redistribution of pressure reduces localized stress on specific parts of the TMJ system. Furthermore, a TMJ nightguard helps the jaw joints and muscles to relax, relieving muscle tension and spasms, which are common sources of TMJ pain.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain. Depending on the cause, your doctor may complement oral appliance therapy with orthodontics, anti-inflammatory medications, and jaw rehabilitation. A comprehensive treatment plan addresses TMJ pain with finality for a painless lifestyle.
Ready for TMJ evaluation?
Do you suspect TMJ dysfunction in Sarasota, Florida? Call (941) 371-2022 to schedule an evaluation with Vital Dental. Your healthy, pain-free smile awaits!
Dr. Mitul Patel
Dr. Mitul Patel, D.M.D., is a dedicated dentist at Vital Dental Sarasota, known for his caring and gentle approach. With over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. Patel's commitment to staying abreast of the latest dental advancements ensures his patients receive top-notch care. His meticulous attention to detail, aided by high magnification loupes, guarantees precision in every procedure. Dr. Patel's compassionate nature and expert knowledge make him a trusted figure in the dental community, providing an exceptional and reassuring experience for all his patients.
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