TMJ Treatment in Childersburg / Inverness
Does your jaw click, pop, or feel tight? Do you wake up with headaches or neck and jaw pain? A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affecting your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might be to blame.
What is TMJ in Childersburg / Inverness?
TMJ is the shortened name of the physical joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They are the ball and socket joints that allow you to open your mouth to chew, talk, and yawn. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and when it becomes inflamed, it can affect your ability to chew healthy foods and communicate clearly. A disorder of the TMJ is technically called TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, but TMD and TMJ have become interchangeable when referring to the swelling and pain related to the jaw joint.
There are many causes of TMJ pain including nighttime clenching and grinding, arthritis in one or both joints, missing teeth, a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, and injuries to the head and neck.
Symptoms of TMD in Childersburg / Inverness?
Symptoms of a TMJ disorder can vary from patient to patient and may mimic other conditions. The most common symptoms include:
- Headaches that mimic migraines
- A dull ache or soreness in the jaw muscles
- Stiffness that radiates to the neck and back
- Ear pressure like the feeling you get when flying
- Tightness, clicking or popping in the jaw joint when yawning or eating soft foods
- The inability to open your mouth all the way
- Feeling like one tooth is suddenly “out of place”
Trauma, disease and developmental disorders can lead to internal derangement of the TM Joint. This occurs when the normal physiologic relationship of the condyle, disc and fossa have been altered and compromised. It can start with discomfort in the jaw joint and can progress to Disc Displacement.
Some patients will have all of these symptoms, and some may have one or two.
Diagnosis and Treatment in Childersburg / Inverness
While many cases of TMD are misdiagnosed, an exam by Dr. Prabha can generally determine whether your symptoms are a result of a TMJ disorder. A physical examination by placing pressure on the muscles and joints to feel for tightness, a complete evaluation of your bite, and x-rays can help Dr. Prabha figure out the cause of your pain. She may also order an MRI or CT scan to look for signs of joint deterioration that can’t be seen on x-rays.
Once a diagnosis is reached, there are many treatment options available. Splint therapy, physical therapy, Trigger point therapy, prolotherapy are the most common. Hot and cold packs, “swallowing” your yawns, and a temporary soft food diet can also help while your muscles relax and heal. Surgery or disc arthroscopy should be done only in the worst case scenarios. In many cases the discomfort could be treated with out surgery. Treatments are no longer a Night guard followed by surgery.
About Dr.Prabha Prattipati
Dr. Prattipati practices comprehensive dentistry with a focus on systemic health, treating the whole patient not just the mouth.
Dr. Prattipati earned her Doctorate in dental medicine from UAB School of Dentistry. Dr. Prattipati is a graduate of comprehensive Dental implant residency and focuses on Cosmetic Dentistry / minimally invasive dentistry.
Today Dr. Prattipati works with patients with TMJ pain and Sleep Apnea who have been referred by their primary care or sleep physician in search of alternative treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Her expertise is objectively documenting craniofacial dysfunction and correlating it with subjective pain symptoms.
She believes strongly in a multidisciplinary approach with other healthcare providers whenever possible. Treatment is non-invasive, nonsurgical and reversible. Dr. Prattipati is committed to providing state -of- the- art- care by using latest equipment and technology. She is committed to expanding her knowledge with the latest advancements to better serve her patients.
Outside of dental practice, Dr. Prattipati likes spending time with family and friends and enjoys gardening, cooking and decorating.
Contact Us Today!
If you are experiencing any symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, and so forth, ensure that you visit the dental professional for an evaluation. Dr. Prabha and the team at Prime Smile Dental Care are here to help you. We can answer all your questions and get you out of pain. If you suspect a TMJ disorder is the cause of your discomfort call us today at 256-378-5442!
