TMJ Treatment – Upper Arlington, OH

You Don’t Have to Live with Jaw Pain

TMJ is short for “temporomandibular joint”, which is the joint on either side of your head that allows you to move your jaw. If you’re suffering from chronic jaw pain, it could mean that there’s a problem with your TMJ. Fortunately, Dr. Courtney can put a stop to your discomfort with advanced options for TMJ treatment. Give Artistry Smile Center a call today if you notice any signs of a TMJ disorder; the faster you act, the sooner we can help you find relief.

Why Choose Artistry Smile Center for TMJ Treatment?

What Is TMJ Disorder?

A TMJ disorder can refer to any dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints as well as the muscles and connective tissues around them. There are many different risk factors for TMJ disorder, but the condition typically occurs when your TMJ is overworked in some way, often due to bite problems or bruxism. When your TMJ is exposed to excessive tension and force, it can lead to chronic discomfort. An untreated TMJ disorder may grow worse over time and can prevent you from enjoying life to the fullest.




Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Many different symptoms could indicate the presence of a TMJ disorder. Some warning signs that you should watch out for include:

We recommend scheduling an appointment at our office as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

Types of TMJ Treatment

Before we begin your TMJ treatment, we’ll need to perform a diagnostic examination. This may involve taking X-rays of your mouth and jaw joints so that we can identify the problem and narrow down the underlying cause. We’ll then create a customized TMJ treatment plan based on the specifics of your situation. Below are examples of methods we might use to address your TMJ pain. Remember that you can always ask our team if you have any questions or concerns about a treatment we’ve recommended.

Orthotics for TMJ Therapy

An orthotic, also known as a “bite splint”, can be used to help reposition your lower jaw so that it doesn’t put as much strain on your TMJ when at rest. Each orthotic is made out of acrylic material and is placed over select teeth to keep the jaw in its ideal position. You’ll typically wear your orthotic for around 4 to 6 months or until most of your TMJ-related symptoms are gone. 

Treatment with a TENS Machine

TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.” This type of TMJ treatment involves stimulating the muscles and nerves around your jaw joints with electrodes. We can use a TENS machine to relieve the tension that’s contributing to your TMJ disorder and encourage your body to release endorphins to reduce your pain.