TMJ Treatment Atlanta
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is an all-too common condition that occurs when an imbalanced bite places excess strain on the joints and muscles on either side of the jaw. This complex condition can cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and other symptoms you may not necessarily associate with your jaw. Fortunately, Dr. Ross, Dr. Shah and Dr. Kim offer treatments that can restore balance to your bite, providing lasting relief. To learn more about our TMJ treatment options, please contact our Atlanta practice today.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, move in tandem to open and close the mouth, and rely on proper balance to function smoothly. If your upper and lower jaws fail to meet properly, the TMJs and adjoining muscles must compensate to achieve some semblance of a proper bite. Over time, this excessive strain can result in fatigue, inflammation, disc misalignment, and discomfort within your TMJs. Common causes of bite misalignment and TMJ pain include:
- Crooked teeth (malocclusion)
- Tooth loss
- Congenital jaw defect
- Traumatic injury
- Habitual teeth-grinding
Full Plane Occlusal (FPO) Appliance
Treating TMJ is not a simple process, but we use sophisticated techniques to pinpoint the cause of disruption in your bite. An occlusal (bite) analysis helps Dr. Ross or Dr. Shah determine the extent of bite misalignment, and helps him formulate a plan to adjust it accordingly. Depending on each individual case, this adjustment may involve orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® to reposition teeth, or full mouth reconstruction to address multiple issues standing in the way of a balanced bite.
To restore functional harmony, Dr. Ross, Dr. Shah or Dr. Kim may employ a full plane occlusal (FPO) appliance designed to support your lower jaw and its musculature. The appliance helps stabilize an imbalanced jaw to alleviate pain and allow the joints to heal. A mouthguard can be worn at night to maintain the jaw’s position and prevent destructive teeth-grinding, which exacerbates the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
We understand that the symptoms of TMJ can take an enormous toll on your quality of life. Dr. Ross, Dr. Shah, and their compassionate staff will carefully analyze the state of your teeth and jaws to formulate a treatment or combination of treatments to provide you with the long-term relief you need and deserve.
Schedule Your Next Appointment with Feather Touch Dental Care
If you have suffered unexplained chronic headaches, earaches, or jaw pain, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder. After a thorough analysis, Dr. Ross, Dr. Shah or Dr. Kim can help you determine if your bite is misaligned. He can also formulate a plan to restore its balance and function. The balance of your bite is incredibly important, and the slightest misalignment can result in agonizing symptoms that compromise your ability to relax, concentrate, or simply enjoy your day-to-day life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve relief.
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