TMJ Disorderin Jacksonville

Temporomandibular joint disorders (also known as TMD) can range from something as simple as a misaligned bite to more serious and persistent problems like headaches, vertigo, and jaw or neck pain.

If you’re feeling pain in your jaw when you eat or talk, you may be experiencing TMJ disorder. At Admira Dentistry, we treat TMJ disorders in Jacksonville so that you don’t have to live with pain, problems, or discomfort anymore.

Woman with brown hair wincing at pain from TMJ disorder in Jacksonville

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and allows your jaw to move. enables your jaw to move. TMJ disorders can be caused by a number of factors, such as genetics, arthritis, teeth clenching or grinding, or a traumatic injury.

Black curly-haired woman with brown skin wincing from jaw pain

What are the signs or symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ disorder is marked by specific symptoms, ranging from intermittent to chronic and severe. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include the following:

aching in the teeth
headaches
muscle spasms
jaw pain or tenderness
aching in or around the ear or face
joint locking
clicking and popping sounds
pain while chewing, swallowing, or talking

Am I a candidate for TMJ treatment?

TMJ treatment is for patients who are experiencing pain and discomfort from TMJ. For those patients whose symptoms are chronic and severe, and who are unable to open and close their jaw properly, TMJ surgery is usually required.

Ideal candidates for TMJ treatment in Jacksonville at Admira Dentistry meet the following requirements:

Are generally in good health
Do not smoke
Have no blood clotting disorders

TMJ treatment options

In mild cases, TMJ pain can resolve on its own. There are simple home treatments such as pain relievers, hot towels, cold packs, and a temporary liquid diet that can help.

If the symptoms are persistent, further treatment options are available, such as mouth guards, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy.

Corticosteroid injections into the joint may be helpful for more severe cases. Injections of botulinum toxin type A into the jaw muscles can help relieve pain associated with TMJ disorders.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Chronic, severe cases of TMJ generally require corrective jaw surgery. These types of corrective jaw surgery can be done to treat TMJ:

Arthroscopy:

A small incision is made near the ear so that a small instrument with a scope can be used to discover the cause of the pain. During this treatment, inflamed tissue may be removed and the joint may be gently realigned. Swelling and stiffness are expected during recovery for several days.

Arthroplasty (open joint surgery):

A larger incision is made so that the disc that allows you to open or close your jaw can be replaced or repaired, the jaw realigned, and scar tissue or bone spurs removed. Recovery time after arthroplasty lasts for about two weeks.

Total joint replacement:

A complete joint replacement can be performed if the temporomandibular joint is too damaged to be repaired, a total joint replacement is needed. This is a more extensive surgery that requires a 3-5 day hospital stay and a recovery time of 1-2 months.

Addressing your TMJ disorder

Life can get pretty busy. As professional demands increase and familial obligations grow alongside them, busy schedules and rising stress levels can make your health a more important concern than ever. On top of this, many individuals don’t realize how intimately oral health is connected to their complete and total health.

For instance, one of our guests didn’t realize that her recurring conditions (headaches, pain running down her neck and arm, muscle spasms, etc.) could be resolved by stabilizing and correcting her bite. Not only did Julie obtain a functionally correct bite, but also eliminated years of pain, headaches, broken teeth, and ended up with a beautiful smile! Learn more about how addressing TMJ Disorder can resolve other health issues. Reach out to our office to address your TMJ disorder in Jacksonville and set up your consultation with a member of our team today.

Advanced Technology, Working for You

At Admira Dentistry, we're committed to offering you the latest in next-generation dental technology, so we can create results that don't just meet your expectations, but soar above and beyond them. Tools like a TENSing unit and the Biopak headgear enable us to collect measurable data that can help us find the ideal position for your jaw.

Creating harmony in your jaw alignment corrects your bite and enables you to find relief from a wide variety of issues that can frequently be related to TMD issues. We'll also schedule follow-up exams to ensure that you're enjoying your results. Our goal is to design a smile that fully restores your mouth's form and function.

TMJ Treatment
with Dr. Sixto

Dr. Sixto specializes in treating patients suffering from the effects of TMJ, also known as TMD. He uses modern techniques and a range of advanced treatments to alleviate painful symptoms and difficulties associated with TMJ and restore his patients' oral health and comfort. Dr. Sixto is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI Global).