TMJ/TMD Treatment in North Royalton | Broadview | Heights | Strongsville, OH

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options

Stop living with chronic headaches and jaw pain.

If you are experiencing jaw pain or find it difficult to open and close your mouth wide, you may have a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), otherwise known as TMJ. Many patients with TMD don’t realize it is a severe problem until they have issues related to their bite or develop a persistent teeth grinding habit. These conditions can cause a number of oral health problems and also prevent you from enjoying a pain-free lifestyle.

12 %

Of the U.S. population has TMJD

90 %

Of those with TMJD are women.

50 %

People with a TMJ disorder will seek treatment

12 %

people in the United States are currently affected by a TMJ disorder

Common TMD Symptoms

Difficulty Chewing

Upper Shoulder Pain

Pain Or Tenderness In the Jaw

Headaches and Neck Aches

Ringing In The Ears

Jaws That Get Locked In Position

CAUSES OF TMD

The primary causes of jaw pain and TMD are still unknown but experts believe symptoms are often the result of misalignment of the jaws, issues with the muscles of the head and jaw joint areas, as well as neck and postural concerns. Known causes include

“A friend suggested we go to Dr. Mark since he specialized in treating TMJ. I took my daughter to Dr. Mark, and after approximately one year of treatment, her headaches almost completely stopped. Her jaw and bite were so off line, that was the cause of the migraine headaches. We will always be grateful!”

-BJ

TMD Treatment Options and Modalities Utilized

Dr. Stephen Sala has immense experience with treating patients with TMD disorder. He typically recommends a combination of non-invasive treatments in his patient’s overall comprehensive customized treatment plan. Other TMD treatment options may include:

“TMJ friendly” diet suggestions
Diagnostics utilizing surface electromyography and three-dimensional cone beam radiography, in our office
Anti-inflammatory medications
Postural evaluation with appropriate physical therapy referrals
Custom MORA (mandibular orthotic repositioning appliance) fabrication utilizing computer generated bite position
Muscle relaxation exercises to tone and stretch

Phases of TMD Treatment

Phase 1

Phase 2 (Long-Term Management)

Phase 1

Once diagnosed with TMD, treatment consists of 3 steps:

Step 1

Dr. Stephen Sala can relieve muscle spasms and pain without medication or surgery with the use of ultra-low frequency TENS, providing a temporary TMD splint, as well as Photobiomodulation with (LLLT) Low-level Laser Therapy.

Step 2

Stabilize your bite with dental orthopedics. An orthotic is a clear, precisely fitted device that sits on your lower teeth. This allows for easy adjustments to the material without adjusting the teeth until the bite has been stabilized. The MORA is worn full-time, day and night, and also when eating. It is only removed for routine oral hygiene to allow for complete healing to occur. This process can typically take anywhere between 6-12 months before it is prudent to proceed to Phase Two of TMD Therapy.

Step 3

Physical Therapy may be required in conjunction with your Step 2 treatment to correct any underlying structural issues that might prohibit alleviation from overt symptomology.

Phase 2 (Long-Term Management)

Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, it’s crucial to move to phase 2 treatments so that you don’t have to wear an appliance long-term or potentially ‘for the rest of your life.’

There are 3 ways we can provide TMD services:

Orthodontics (Braces)

When you have healthy teeth, they may be moved to the optimal position using braces. Treatment with traditional braces (not clear aligners) will prevent any healthy tooth structure from needing to be removed. Dr. Sala can prepare a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve the best results and give you a healthy, beautiful smile.

Removable Overlay Partials

In contrast to the temporary orthotics in the phase 1 treatment, these are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite. They are a reversible and relatively inexpensive treatment for severely worn teeth made like a partial denture with a metal framework and plastic teeth.

Reconstruction

If your bite has changed from broken or damaged teeth, this approach involves making the teeth taller/higher by adding porcelain or composite to the biting surfaces of the teeth, allowing your teeth to touch in a more comfortable position. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.

Struggling to live a functional and comfortable life due to jaw pain? Learn more about TMD treatment in North Royalton, OH and find relief by scheduling your appointment with Dr. Sala today!

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