Dr. Rebecca Hobbs provides treatment planning and pain management therapy for patients with TMJ disorders in our Augusta dental office.
Common Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorders include:
- Jaw pain and headaches
- Recurring facial pain around the ear
- Frequent popping in the joint (occasional jaw ‘clicking’ without pain is normal)
- Joint locking and difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Migraine headaches
TMJ disorders can be very complex and may be connected to other health issues, including arthritis, genetics, skeletal and muscular conditions, teeth grinding (bruxism), teeth clenching and sleep apnea.
TMJ Therapy at Hobbs Dentistry of Augusta
Following a thorough TMJ analysis, Dr. Hobbs will work closely with you to identify underlying causes and recommend measures to help you return to pain-free daily function.
Treatment for TMD varies with individual needs. To alleviate symptoms, Dr. Hobbs may recommend a soft diet and warm, moist or cold compresses and simple exercises to stretch and relax the jaw muscles.
In some cases, Dr. Hobbs may design a removable biteguard appliance (also called a bite splint) for the patient to wear for several hours per day. The goal of a TMJ bite splint is to reduce pain and promote healing by stabilizing the joint and guiding the surrounding muscles to a relaxed position.
Some patients wear a mouthguard during sleep (referred to as a nightguard) to help prevent bruxism and teeth clenching, a common source of stress on jaw and facial muscles.