Do you often find yourself clenching and grinding your teeth? You may have a TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joints connect the skull to the jawbone. Problems can occur in these joints when the jaw is injured or a patient has crooked teeth or misaligned bite. Dr. Robert Gauthier and his team offer TMJ treatment to patients at Apex Dental in Northborough, MA.
Signs of TMJ Disorders
Common signs and symptoms of TMJ include:
- Jaw and facial pain
- Earaches
- Lockjaw
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Shoulder, neck, and back tension
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Toothaches
Have you noticed any of these symptoms? Call Apex Dental for treatment today at (508) 506-1691. Dr. Gauthier and his team are dedicated to providing the most comfortable care possible. Learn about your treatment options and solutions to TMJ disorders below:
TMJ Treatment Options
Before treatment, Dr. Gauthier will exam your teeth and gums to determine if you have a TMJ disorder. He will review your budget and goals with you to ensure that treatment fits with your specific needs. TMJ treatment depends entirely on the patient and the individual symptoms they are experiencing. Dr. Gauthier takes a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment, which often includes oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a removable device, that is usually worn at night. The appliance keeps the teeth and jaw in proper position and prevents teeth grinding and clenching. This treatment can also alleviate jaw pain and diminish muscle contractions which are often the source of chronic migraines. An oral appliance may be a dental splint, mouth guard or night guard.
In addition, Dr. Gauthier provides a range of general dentistry and restorative dental services to repair damaged teeth as a result of TMJ dysfunction. Teeth may be corrected with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or other types of dental restorations. Many procedures can be completed in a single visit using Apex Dental’s advanced CEREC technology.
Request an Appointment Today
Do you think you may have a TMJ disorder? Call Apex Dental (508) 506-1691. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Gauthier online.