Pain stemming from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—otherwise known as TMJ disorder or TMD—affects many residents in the San Diego area each year. To help combat this condition, Dr. Kashou offers TMJ splints to help reduce symptoms such as TMJ pain, TMJ headaches, and improve overall jaw functionality.
TMJ pain doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Give Avocado Family Dentistry in El Cajon, CA, a call to find relief with TMJ splint treatment. If you’re searching for a “TMJ specialist near me,” our practice is well-equipped to provide the comprehensive care you need.
5 Types of TMJ Splints Here at Avocado Family Dentistry
TMJ splints are an oral device, similar to a bite guard, that is attached to the top or bottom of your teeth. We will use an impression of your teeth to personalize a splint that fits your TMJ disorder needs. Dr. Kashou will choose between five different TMJ splints, depending on which part of your jaw needs the most adjustments and work, offering relief from TMJ pain and TMJ headaches.
“Over-the-Counter” Guard
Over-the-counter guards are commonly used splints specifically built to help treat general bruxism and TMJ. Using these guards, Dr. Kashou can use the guard to help fit the mold precisely where the problem areas are with your teeth.
Custom Flat Plane Splint
This splint is typically positioned to help heal the sore top portion of your teeth. Many patients have found that the splint helps them reduce tooth grinding. Flat plane splints aren’t built for the bottom portion of your teeth and could aggravate it if you’re experiencing pain there.
TMJ Night Guard
Many patients generate TMD symptoms at night. TMJ night guards are specially worn at night, similar to a retainer, to help reduce any symptoms. These night guards simply teach your mouth to avoid any clenching/grinding that is leading to complications.
Removable Neuromuscular Orthotic
This appliance is built to help manage TMD symptoms most of the day. The removable neuromuscular orthotic uses dental technology to gradually shift your jaw back to a comfortable position. The tool is mainly chosen for those who exhibit intense TMJ symptoms.
Mandibular Advancement Device
This device is chosen for patients who deal with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Though the tool doesn’t address TMJ pain directly, sleep apnea and snoring could lead to TMD symptoms later. This device can help reconfigure your jaw to help manage poor sleep.
Choose Your TMJ Treatment Today!
No longer let TMD symptoms control your life. At Avocado Dentistry in El Cajon, CA, we offer customized TMJ splints designed to alleviate jaw pain, TMJ headaches, and other discomforts associated with TMJ disorder.
Our expert team, led by Dr. Kashou, is ready to assess your specific condition and recommend the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. With our comprehensive approach to managing TMD, we focus on providing relief and improving your oral health and overall well-being. Contact us today for more information about our TMJ treatments and start your journey towards a life free from TMJ pain.
Benefits of TMD Treatments
TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) treatments at Avocado Family Dentistry provide relief and management for a range of symptoms associated with TMJ issues, offering significant improvements in both dental health and overall quality of life. Here are some key benefits:
- Relief from Jaw Pain: A custom TMJ splint can effectively alleviate the effects of teeth clenching, preventing soreness and dysfunction.
- Reduction of Muscle Soreness: Personalized TMJ splints can significantly reduce muscle soreness associated with TMD, helping to relax your jaw muscles.
- Prevention of Tooth Damage: Early management of TMJ symptoms can prevent severe tooth damage, such as cracks or wear from bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Alleviation of TMJ Headaches and Ear Pain: TMD treatments are effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches and ear pain often associated with TMJ disorders.
- Improved Sleep Quality: By addressing discomfort and pain, TMD treatments contribute to better sleep patterns and overall well-being.
- Enhanced Oral Function: With effective management, TMD treatments can greatly improve your ability to chew and speak comfortably, enhancing your daily life and oral health.
These treatments not only provide symptom relief but also work to address the root cause of TMD, offering a pathway to long-term oral health. Reach out to Avocado Family Dentistry to explore how our TMD treatment options can bring you comfort and a higher quality of life.
What Happens When I Get a TMJ Splint?
A TMJ splint is similar to a bite guard. Here is what you can expect:
- Consultation: Dr. Kashou will evaluate your oral health, take x-rays, and scan your teeth during your free cosmetic dental consultation.
- Diagnosis: Dr. Kashou will choose from the five different options what splint will work the best for your needs.
- Treatment Plan: Depending on which splint you and Dr. Kashou will decide on, our office will walk you through a plan on how to best manage them.
- Take The Impression: Dr. Kashou will take an impression of your teeth for most of the splints to make sure they can adjust to your mouth the best.
- Product Placement: Dr. Kashou will place the splint precisely in your mouth. Proper placement of the splint is essential, so let the dentist know if anything comes up.
- Aftercare Instructions: We will give you a list of instructions on how to best take care of the splints and the path to moving forward with them.
After the splint is given, you will need to schedule a set of after-visits to make sure that your teeth are in stellar shape. As your symptoms improve, we will start to be able to make adjustments to help your TMJ disorder improve.
To Stop TMJ Pain and Start Living, Contact Our Office Today!
Avocado Family Dentistry is your TMJ specialist near me here to help alleviate TMJ pain so you can start enjoying life again. Our precise and effective TMJ treatments help patients find relief from TMJ disorder in a remarkable manner. Call our El Cajon, CA, office today to schedule a free initial consultation and begin your journey to relief.
