TMJ Therapy – Crown Point, IN
Say Goodbye to Chronic Jaw Pain
TMJ/TMD Therapy
TMJ disorder (also known as TMD) occurs when the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that control jaw movement and their related facial muscles become strained or dysfunctional. This harmful condition can manifest as severe facial discomfort, difficulty with chewing, constant migraines, and more – but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be permanent. At Ornelas Family Dentistry, our team offers dedicated TMJ screenings and personalized options for TMJ therapy in Crown Point, IN that can restore much-needed balance to each patient’s oral structures. Please contact us today in Crown Point if you’re in need of a consultation.
Why Choose Ornelas Family Dentistry for TMJ Therapy?
- High-Quality Oral Appliances For Long-Term Relief
- Unparalleled Diagnostic Precision With Digital X-Rays
- Dedicated & Highly Trained Dentist With Years of Experience
Diagnosis & Treatment
TMJ disorder can manifest from several different sources over time – the presence of bruxism (teeth grinding), a severe facial injury, a misaligned bite, and even the onset of arthritis, to name a few. While no two cases are exactly alike, there are some common symptoms that patients should be aware of:
- Pain that’s located in the jaw, face, temple area, neck, and/or shoulders
- Regular earaches and/or the feeling of ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Constantly hearing clicking or popping from the jaw joints
- Limited jaw movement
- Dizziness
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments
If your specific case of TMJ disorder can be traced to a misaligned bite, occlusal adjustment (also sometimes called equilibration) may be the right treatment plan. Dr. Ornelas will carefully review your teeth and resting bite, determining the specific locations where pressure is unevenly spread or excessively concentrated. By adjusting the surfaces, he can reintroduce harmony to your overall smile and help reduce long-term strain.
Occlusal Splints
Another common solution to TMJ-related pain is the addition of a custom-made occlusal splint. This appliance helps to reposition the jaw’s default position and also prevent chronic teeth grinding, which can worsen the effects of TMJ disorder over time. Many patients even discover that after using their splint consistently per Dr. Ornela’s instructions, their symptoms are permanently improved!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
Yes; both equilibration/occlusal adjustments and occlusal splints have a reliable track record for patient safety. In fact, the NIH recommends trying non-surgical treatments like these before resorting to more involved solutions. Experts generally agree that when it comes to treating TMJ disorders, less is more!
Since the TMJ treatments we provide are minimally invasive, they’re suitable for the vast majority of patients. Rest assured, though, we’ll thoroughly review your health history during your consultation to help ensure your safety. The best way to find out whether equilibration/occlusal adjustments or an occlusal splint is best for you, simply contact our team and request an appointment.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
Ultimately, how long it takes for your TMJ treatment to take effect will depend on how severe your disorder is. Once you experience relief, though, the results of equilibration/occlusal adjustments and occlusal splints can be lifelong!
Here’s when most patients start noticing a difference for each treatment:
- Equilibration/occlusal adjustments – As soon as their bite or teeth are fully adjusted and well-aligned.
- Occlusal splints – About two to four weeks (as long as the appliance is worn consistently every night).
Does Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment for TMJ Hurt?
Rest assured, our team will administer a local anesthetic before starting your equilibration/occlusal adjustment. This will effectively numb your mouth so that the most you’re likely to feel is some slight pressure as we file down your teeth.
If we’ll need to even-out your bite by adding to your teeth with a composite resin, then you might not need an anesthetic. This particular process is typically no more painful than receiving dental bonding (which uses the same composite resin material).
Please let us know if you’re worried about pain during your TMJ treatment in Crown Point, and we’ll do everything possible to help make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way!
Is TMJ Treatment Expensive?
TMJ treatment costs can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of your disorder and other such factors. Additionally, while either your dental insurance or medical insurance might offer coverage, the extent of TMJ treatment benefits is different from policy-to-policy and state-to-state. Basically, it’s difficult to provide an estimate until we’ve met with you in-person for a consultation!
If you’re uninsured, there are other ways to make TMJ treatment more affordable, such as enrolling in our in-house membership plan or by using CareCredit financing. Our friendly team is also available to answer any questions you may have about treatment costs, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask!