TMJ & TMD Treatment in Virginia Beach
Do I Have TMJ?
Do you have headaches that consistently come back? How about jaw pain that has you opening your mouth and stretching it for relief? If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw pain, or even vertigo, you may have TMJ. Some people also refer to this disorder as TMD. The symptoms associated with this disorder are often confused and mistaken for migraines, because it can cause pain in your jaw and its surrounding muscles. Here are some of the most common symptoms that our Virginia Beach dental specialists see in patients with this disorder.
- Jaw Pain
- Recurring headaches that seem to stem from the jaw
- Neck pain, especially in the muscles that control head movement
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Earaches or hearing problems
- Vertigo
- Shoulder/arm pain or tightness
- Inability to move your jaw fully or discomfort when moving your jaw
If you experience any of these symptoms in conjunction with your headache, it is possible that you have TMD. Woman are also more prone to having TMJ disorder. Luckily, there are many affordable and non-invasive solutions available on the market.
The Urbanek Solution
The Urbanek Solution is the treatment we recommend to our Virginia Beach patients. Mill Dam Dental Care uses an Urbanek Splint to address this disorder. The Urbanek Splint is a small acrylic piece that fits comfortably in the mouth and is designed to relieve inflammation in your jaw joint. Unlike many other TMD treatments, this can be worn 24/7 to quickly relieve symptoms.
If you have seen a specialist and have not seen the results you want, this could be a great option for you. The splint has been extremely successful, with a success rate of over 90 percent.
What Are The Temporomandibular Joints?
Temporomandibular joints are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints are located in front of the ears and allow the jaw to move. Many joints and muscles can get irritated quickly, and this is especially true for the joints in the mouth. This disorder happens when these joints get inflamed and irritated. We can determine whether or not these joints are working properly with a quick examination at our Virginia Beach office.
What Causes TMJ?
Joint disorders often go undiagnosed because their symptoms are very similar to migraines. TMD-related headaches often come from grinding teeth or putting stress on your jaw joints in other ways. Many people grind their teeth at night while they are sleeping, so they do not even realized that they are doing it. Other common stressors include arthritis, displaced jaw joint discs, or even head trauma. Unfortunately, roughly 90 percent of TMJ patients are women, and it is most common between the ages of 16 and 65. You will need to speak to a specialist to determine what is causing your symptoms and find the best care for you. At Mill Dam Dental, we usually recommend the Urbanek splint before looking at surgical options.
Reasons To Avoid Surgery
Some people say the only way to manage this condition is surgery, but this simply isn’t the case. While surgery can minimize your symptoms, it also comes with many potential complications. Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid surgery and consider other options instead.
Surgery Comes With Potential Complications
As with any surgery, there are potential health risks involved. Surgery could affect the alignment of your teeth, requiring ongoing dental care. In the worst case scenario, it could negatively affect the nerves in your face causing weakness in the facial muscles. Although it is extremely rare, complications from surgery could cause deafness.
Surgery Does Not Work For Everyone
It is very important to note that surgery does not completely resolve pain and inflammation for everyone. There are instances where patients do not fully recover from TMD even after surgery. This is why it is so important to explore other options that are less invasive before committing to surgery.
Surgery Is Invasive And Has A High Recovery Time
The biggest reason to avoid surgery is because it is invasive. This surgery requires that you be put under anesthesia and put on pain medication for several days. Your mouth will most likely be bandaged, requiring that you change the bandages frequently and apply ice to minimize swelling. Since your jaw mobility will be limited, it will be difficult to talk and you will most likely be required to stay on a liquid diet. This can make it very difficult to maintain your day-to-day routine during the recovery period.
Not only is surgery invasive, but the recovery can also be very time consuming. You will most likely have to stay home from work or school in order to heal properly. Since this procedure is invasive and has a long recovery time, it is not a great option for everyone. Luckily, there are other treatments out there that may work for you.
Consider Other Treatments
Fortunately, there are many other treatments for TMD besides surgery. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we offer the Urbanek Splint. Because this splint fits comfortably in the back of your mouth, you can wear it 24/7 to reduce pain and discomfort. There are also anti-inflammatory medications on the market that can help reduce mild to moderate jaw pain. Additionally, you can see a physical therapist who can prescribe exercises for better jaw mobility.
Mill Dam Dental offers convenient and comfortable treatment for TMD in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s always best to consider other alternatives before resorting to surgery.
Scheduling an Appointment
If you suffer from TMJ, schedule an appointment to determine if our Urbanek Solution is right for you. The Urbanek is a non-surgical, affordable solution that can provide relief for your symptoms. Schedule your appointment with Mill Dam Dental today so you can start living more comfortably.