Tmj Treatment in Portland, OR
Temporomandibular joint disorder, as known as TMJ or TMD, is a condition that influences the muscles in and surrounding your jaw. The temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull, is extremely delicate and therefore susceptible to damage. The symptoms of TMJ/TMD can include jaw pain or tenderness, facial or neck pain, and difficulty performing normal functions like chewing, speaking, or yawning. You may also hear a popping or clicking sound when you attempt to move your jaw, and some patients with TMJ/TMD may even have trouble opening their mouths all the way if the disorder is left unchecked.
Causes of TMJ/TMD
There is no specific cause for TMJ/TMD, but there are several identifiable risk factors. Your temporomandibular joint could be affected by health conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These disorders cause inflammation and degeneration, leading to joint weakness and pain. If you suffer from bruxism, a condition that causes patients to grind their teeth while they sleep, the excessive amount of pressure on your temporomandibular joint could be to blame. It is also possible to experience TMJ/TMD if you spend a lot of time clenching your jaw due to stress or anxiety. Your Portland dentist can help you ascertain your risk factors for TMJ/TMD if you are concerned about developing the condition.
TMJ/TMD Treatment Options
There are several treatment options you can take advantage of at our office. The first course of treatment may be to alleviate your painful symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or low doses of tricyclic antidepressants that can reduce the intensity of your discomfort. If you would like to avoid prescription drugs, you may utilize an occlusal appliance like a mouth guard or a set of splints that will lessen pressure on your jaw muscles, or perform physical therapy exercises to strengthen them. If none of these options are sufficient, your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure. TMJ/TMD surgeries can include arthrocentesis, corticosteroid (Botox) injections, and modified condylotomy. Before you undergo any of these treatments, your dentist will walk you through the ramifications of each procedure so that you can make an informed decision.
Testimonials
Crown and filling experience went better than I expected. It's normally a painful process for me. Staff is always friendly and easy to deal with. We appreciate that they offer us different options since we don't have dental insurance.
Ilus Ka
Everyone is so nice and friendly. If you’re looking for a new dentist and team, I highly recommend Bethany Dental. I’ve gone in a few times for anual cleanings and some cavity fillings and I’ve left satisfied every time.
Marlyne Rodriguez
The staff was very friendly. Dr. Austria was very friendly and asked me lots of questions and listened to me. He made my appointment easy and stress free. I would recommend going to this office for your dental care.
Marcia Reyes
I just spent a very relaxing (really!) 2.75 hours being prepped for a new crown and having 3 fillings put in. Honestly, except for a slight prick of the numbing needle, the whole procedure was painless. Dr.Austria and his staff were friendly, the atmosphere was calming, and I knew I was in good hands.
Caroline Arnold
They were super friendly and considerate to any pain I was having. The Dr. asked often if I was in any pain, and I didn't even feel the shot like I usually do at my other dentist. They do everything they can to make you comfortable. I definitely recommend going here.
Jordan Harris
I'm in the process of getting a post and crown. Right now I'm healing from my bone graft and every person at this practice continually goes out of their way to make sure I heal well and every thing goes as planned. There was a problem with my bone graft initially and Dr. Austria continues to spend extra time on my mouth to help me keep on healing, at no extra expense to me.
Heather Stevens
Dr. Austria is one of the kindest, most capable, and awesome dentists I’ve ever had. I have a moderate level of anxiety around any dental work that requires local anesthesia, and Dr. Austria did everything he could to put me at ease when I unexpectedly needed numbing. The dental assistants are awesome too, non-judgmental and sweet and supportive. I’m so glad we found Bethany Family Dental.
