TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Raleigh

Do you experience pain when chewing or clicking sounds when moving your jaw? Millions suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and bruxism, often without realizing the source of their discomfort.

At Cameron Village Dentistry, we know the significant impact these conditions can have on your oral health, overall wellness, and quality of life, and we are here to help you find relief from these painful and disruptive symptoms.

What Are TMD and Bruxism Symptoms?

TMD is a collection of disorders with your jaw joint (TMJ) and can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Facial pain or muscle fatigue

Left untreated, TMD and bruxism can lead to more severe oral health issues, such as cracked or worn teeth, gum recession, and tooth loss.

TMD and bruxism can affect anyone; however, certain factors may increase your risk. These include stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, arthritis, or a history of trauma to the jaw or face.

By addressing TMD's underlying causes, we can help you regain a more comfortable quality of life and a healthy, pain-free smile.

Diagnosing TMD with Advanced Technology in Raleigh

Our skilled professional team uses advanced technology and clinical expertise to accurately diagnose TMD. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Comprehensive examination — Our dentists will ask about your symptoms, examine your jaw, face, and neck, and check your jaw's range of motion.
• Medical and dental history review — To identify underlying factors that may contribute to TMD, our dentists will review your medical and dental history
• Digital imaging — Digital x-rays and 3-D CT scans can give us a deeper understanding of your jaw structure and function. These images provide valuable insights into the position and condition of your jaw joint, so we can diagnose the condition accurately and plan effective treatment. 
• Bite analysis — In some cases, we conduct a bite analysis to determine if misaligned teeth or an uneven bite contribute to your TMD symptoms.

After their evaluation, our dentists will discuss their findings with you. They will recommend a personalized treatment plan to address your specific TMD symptoms and underlying causes.

Some of the most common treatment options we may recommend for TMJ pain include:

• Custom-made oral appliances — A dental splint or nightguard can help alleviate jaw pain and protect your teeth from further damage. These devices are custom-fitted for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
• Occlusal adjustments — If misaligned teeth contribute to your TMD symptoms, we may recommend adjustments to your bite to relieve pressure and improve jaw function.
• Stress management techniques — Because stress can aggravate TMD symptoms, relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga may help manage symptoms.
• Physical therapy — Exercises and stretches targeting the TMJs can improve their strength and mobility and relieve TMD and bruxism symptoms.
• Medications — We will work with your primary care doctor, who may prescribe muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and inflammation.
• Dental treatments — If tooth damage or misalignment contributes to your TMJ pain, we offer fillings, crowns, veneers, and clear aligners to address these issues.

We Offer TMJ Pain Relief in Raleigh, NC

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don't hesitate to contact our caring dental team at Cameron Village Dentistry. We will work with you to determine the source of your TMJ pain and headaches and restore your comfort and quality of life.

We proudly serve Raleigh, NC, and all nearby communities, including Village District, Five Points, Oakwood, Mordecai, Country Club Hills, and North Hills. Call us today at (919) 821-2454 to schedule a convenient appointment.