TMJ Treatment – Upper Arlington, OH

Causes of TMJ Disorder

It’s not always clear what causes TMD. In many cases, it can be attributed to bruxism, which is subconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth. Bruxism usually occurs while you’re asleep and is associated with high amounts of stress. You may also be at risk for bruxism if you have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth.

Other causes of TMD can include:

• Jaw joint disc is out of place
• Osteoarthritis damage to joint
• Swelling inside the joint
• Poor posture muscle strain
• Joint inflammation or strain

Diagnosing TMJ Disorder

When you visit our office, we will go over your dental and medical history. We’ll also ask about your symptoms as well as any injuries you might have suffered around the TMJ area. Let us know if you have any chronic illnesses or have been taking any kind of medication.

The next step is to carefully check your jaw as well as your mouth, head, and neck. If necessary, we might take X-rays to rule out certain issues. If we find that your pain is linked to a TMD, we can put together a treatment plan for you.

Occlusal Splints

Each occlusal splint is custom-made for each patient to address the issues that are causing a TMJ disorder. Some might be used to reposition the lower jaw, keeping it in a more comfortable position that gives the TMJ a chance to rest. Others might simply be used to keep the upper and lower arches of teeth from making direct contact with each other; this protects your mouth and jaw from bruxism (unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth), which is a common risk factor for TMJ disorders.