TMJ Disorder Doctor Questions and Answers

Most cases of TMJ are treated by a dentist, although severe cases may be referred to a dental surgeon. Fortunately, Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders is staffed with an experienced dentist and dental surgeon, so regardless of your situation, our qualified professionals can help you find relief from your TMJ disorder.

TMJ is a medical condition that can be reversed with the proper treatment. This often involves lifestyle changes, such as eating softer foods, eliminating unconscious habits of teeth grinding or clenching, minimizing stress put onto the temporomandibular joint, and practicing gentle exercises and stretches. There are also many treatment options available to not only abate TMJ disorder symptoms, but also improve the overall condition. While some of these treatments have the potential to assist in reversing the condition, none of them come with a guarantee. It is also important to note that some treatments work better for some than others, and two seemingly similar patients may experience vastly different outcomes. Common treatments for TMJ include:

Oral appliances — These include devices that fit over the upper or lower teeth (or both). These oral appliances protect the teeth from clenching or grinding, and also promote proper airflow by positioning the jaw forward, allowing patients to breathe more easily.

Physical therapy — Physical therapy may be prescribed to help patients deal with TMJ pain, and also to promote proper healing of the joint.

Surgery — When all other methods have been utilized without success, surgery may be used to provide relief from TMJ disorder. The goal of surgery is to position the TMJ properly and eliminate any underlying internal problem with the joint that is causing discomfort.

While TMJ pain can be effectively reversed, if the condition is left untreated, it can develop into an untreatable condition. When experiencing TMJ pain, it is important to give the joint proper and sufficient rest to ensure exacerbation is avoided.

In the majority of cases, TMJ disorder is treated by a dentist. Dentists are the only providers who are qualified to fit patients with a custom bite guard, TMJ splint or a mandibular advancement device (MAD). A dental surgeon may need to be consulted in cases of severe TMJ damage. This includes a disorder caused by joint deterioration or injury.

If you or someone you love is affected by TMJ disorder, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders today to find care from our qualified sleep medicine specialists. Our kind and compassionate professionals are dedicated to providing each and every patient with a higher level of care. Our mission is to provide you with quality sleep, and by doing so, improve your quality of life. Visit one of our clinics today, we look forward to serving you!