If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your jaw, face, or neck, you might suffer a TMJ injury. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull, and damage or dysfunction in these joints can lead to significant discomfort and a host of symptoms. These symptoms may signal a recent injury or indicate a chronic condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
At Massa Dental Center in Naples, FL, our team is an expert in diagnosing and treating TMJ injuries and TMD using advanced, non-invasive techniques. Whether your symptoms began due to an accident or have developed over time, we’re here to help.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Injury?
Damage to the TMJs can cause pain that affects not only the jaw but also other areas, such as:
- Face
- Neck
- Ears
- Shoulders
- Upper and mid-back
- Arms and hands
Each of these symptoms can range in intensity and often worsen if left untreated. Here are some common signs that may indicate TMJ or TMD:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw area
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Stiff neck and lack of mobility
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- A sensation of fullness in the ears or occasional hearing difficulties
If you’re experiencing these symptoms contact us for an evaluation. Our experienced team will work with you to diagnose and treat your condition accurately.
Why Seek Treatment for TMJ Injury?
Prompt treatment of TMJ injuries can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help restore normal function. Addressing these problems early on can also prevent long-term complications and additional wear on the joint. Our treatments can help you by:
- Improving blood flow to affected areas
- Reducing teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching
- Relaxing facial muscles to reduce pain and tension
- Improving jaw mobility and functionality
- Decreasing or eliminating clicking and popping sounds when moving the jaw
- Reducing inflammation in the jaw area to increase ease of motion
The dedicated team offers customized treatment plans for each patient. We’ve successfully helped many Naples residents overcome their pain and would be honored to assist you.
Effective Treatments for TMJ Injury in Naples
Our treatment options prioritize non-surgical, drug-free solutions that target the root of your symptoms. If you’ve been told that surgery is necessary to relieve your pain, we recommend consulting our experts for a comprehensive assessment first. Here are some of the most effective treatments we offer:
Comprehensive TMJ Assessment
Before beginning treatment, our neuromuscular dentists will conduct a thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools to assess the condition of your jaw joints. This examination allows us to tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs and helps identify the most suitable therapies to relieve your pain.
TENS Therapy
One popular, non-invasive TMJ treatment we offer is Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS). This therapy involves placing small pads on the affected areas of the jaw, neck, and shoulders, which deliver gentle electric impulses to relieve muscle tension, inflammation, and pain. TENS therapy can be highly effective for TMJ injuries by helping overworked jaw muscles relax and regain normal function.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Many TMJ patients find significant relief with a custom-designed oral appliance, or mouthguard, which aligns the jaw in its optimal resting position. Our custom appliances are explicitly designed to fit your mouth, and many patients report improvements within a few nights of use. This appliance works by preventing teeth grinding and clenching at night, allowing you to experience a better night’s sleep and reduce jaw stress.
Epigenetic Dentistry
Epigenetic dentistry is an exciting new approach that allows us to stimulate jaw growth without altering a patient’s genetic code. Using oral orthotics, we can encourage natural growth in the jaw to improve its positioning and functionality. This approach is particularly beneficial for those with jaw underdevelopment, which can contribute to TMJ issues, crooked teeth, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Using T-scan and 3D radiograph technology, Dr. Massa closely monitors your progress to ensure optimal results from this advanced treatment.
Common Causes of TMJ Injuries
Understanding what may have caused your TMJ pain is essential for effective treatment. Some of the most common causes of TMJ injuries include:
- Direct Jaw Trauma: Accidents like car crashes or sports injuries can damage the TMJ.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Known as bruxism, these habits often develop due to stress and can lead to joint pain and wear.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ.
- Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): An improper bite can strain the jaw and lead to TMJ symptoms.
- Whiplash Injuries: Sudden impacts that force the head and neck to move rapidly can injure the TMJ.
- Dental Issues: Problems such as uneven teeth, tooth decay, or gum disease can cause or contribute to jaw pain.
In some cases, the cause of TMJ dysfunction remains unclear. However, our dental team can still provide effective treatments for pain relief and jaw restoration regardless of the underlying cause.
How Our Treatment Works
Our goal is to reposition the TMJs in a way that reduces or eliminates the pressure and strain they endure. Since the TMJs are unique in their ability to move in three directions—up and down, side to side, and front to back—they are prone to wear and injury from everyday use and stress.
Each TMJ treatment plan is personalized, considering the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. By restoring the natural function and movement of your TMJs, we aim to give you lasting relief from pain and improve your quality of life.
Behavioral Adjustments and At-Home Care
Our TMJ experts may also provide advice on simple changes you can make at home to alleviate stress on your TMJs. This could include:
- Relaxation techniques to minimize jaw clenching
- Adjustments to your sleep posture or bedding
- Exercises that can improve jaw flexibility and reduce pain
By following these tips alongside your in-office treatment, you may experience faster and longer-lasting relief.
Contact An Expert TMJ Treatment in Naples
If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, don’t wait any longer to get relief. Call Massa Dental Center in Naples, FL at (239) 597-7333 where we offer a range of advanced TMJ treatments to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve jaw function. Our team uses advanced neuromuscular dentistry techniques to pinpoint the root cause of your TMJ symptoms and deliver a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Let us help you find relief from TMJ pain and start your journey to a healthier, pain-free life today.
