TMJ Treatment in Naples, FL
Effective Solutions for TMJ Disorder in Naples
If you’re feeling pain or discomfort in your jaw when you eat or talk, you may be experiencing TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder includes a number of conditions that cause dysfunction and pain, and a number of other negative effects in the jaw and its joint and surrounding muscles. However, you don’t have to live with these problems and pain anymore–at Bayview Dental Arts, we can treat TMJ in Naples effectively.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and enables your jaw to move. A patient with TMJ disorders feels pain or discomfort in this area, which can be caused by a number of different factors, such as arthritis, teeth clenching or grinding, an injury, or simply genetics.
Signs of TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder comes with a variety of uncomfortable or painful symptoms. Pain is usually felt in the face, ear, jaw, mouth, and hinge joint of the jaw (the temporomandibular joint).
Pain caused by TMJ can come and go or be chronically severe. Problems from TMJ include aching in the teeth, headaches, and muscle spasms.
There are a number of specific, common signs that may indicate you are suffering from TMJ:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Aching pain in and/or around the ear
- Difficulty or pain while chewing, swallowing or talking
- Facial aching
- Joint locking that causes difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking and popping sounds
Diagnosing TMJ disorder in Naples, FL
When diagnosing TMJ in Naples, we will evaluate your jaw’s range of motion. This will include examining and lightly pressing on areas around your jaw to identify points of pain. We will listen for pops, clicks or grating sounds when you move your jaw to open and close your mouth.
Further tests may also be done, including the following:
- Dental X-rays
- A CT scan to show more detailed images of the joint and surrounding bones
- An MRI scan to reveal any possible problems with the joint tissues and disk
In some cases, we will do a TMJ arthroscopy to help diagnose the situation. We will insert a cannula (a small, thin tube), into the space where the joint is. An arthroscope (a small camera) is then inserted through the tube. This allows the area to be seen in specific detail, which ensures an exact diagnosis.
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TMJ treatment options
For some patients, TMJ pain resolves on its own. Simple home treatments such as pain relievers, hot and wet towels, cold packs and a temporary liquid diet can often help to resolve TMJ pain quickly on their own.
In cases where the symptoms persist or worsen, there are a number of effective TMJ treatments in Naples available, such as mouth guards or splints, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy.
For severe, advanced cases of TMJ, a surgery may be needed to resolve the situation. Three types of surgery may be done to address TMJ.
Arthroscopy
This is the most common and least invasive surgical option. A small incision is made next to the ear and a small instrument with a scope is used to explore and discover the causes of the pain. Inflamed tissue may be removed and realignment may then be gently done. Swelling and stiffness is expected during recovery for several days.
Arthroplasty (open joint surgery)
For this surgery, a larger incision is made to expose the jaw joint. The disc that allows you to open or close your jaw is replaced or repaired. Realignment may be done, and any existing scar tissue or bone spurs are removed. Recovery time is more painful after arthroplasty and lasts for about two weeks.
Total joint replacement
If the temporomandibular joint is too damaged or degenerated to be repaired, a total joint replacement is needed. This is a more extensive surgery that requires a 3-5 day hospital stay and a longer recovery time of 3-8 weeks.
Why choose BayView Dental Arts
At Bayview Dental Arts, we understand how debilitating it can be to experience the pain of TMJ disorder. We can help you achieve a better quality of life without the pain and difficulty that TMJ disorder causes.
BayView Dental Arts provides technologically advanced procedures, the most cutting-edge technology to make your experience as smooth and painless as possible, soothing amenities and excellent, understanding patient care. We center our practice and our work around you. Call today for a consultation.
![Patrick J.CarriganDMD]()
Patrick J. Carrigan DMD
Dr. Carrigan’s focus on endodontics (root canal dentistry) makes him invaluable to the BayView team. Dr. Carrigan, a former instructor at Temple University Dental School in Philadelphia, has been published in the Journal of Endodontics and was voted the Pittsburgh Top Dentist for four years and Naples Top Dentist each consecutive year since 2008.
![Robert C.HedgepathDMD]()
Robert C. Hedgepath DMD
A member of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Florida Prosthodontic Society, Dr. Hedgepath provides exceptional care in the areas of implants, ceramic veneers, bridges, crowns and more. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Boston University Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry.
![Edward A.ScherderDMD, JD]()
Edward A. Scherder DMD, JD
Known for his excellence in prosthetic dentistry as well as his passion for veneers, crowns, implants and bridgework, Dr. Scherder is indispensable at BayView Dental Arts, as he provides world-class services and cutting edge technology to every patient. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and also holds a Graduate Degree in Prosthodontics.
![Kurtis P.HusseyDMD]()
Kurtis P. Hussey DMD
Dr. Kurtis Hussey completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Florida in St. Petersburg, Florida. His training in restorative and implant dentistry and his dedicated use of the advanced technologies at Bayview Dental Arts ensure his patients’ smiles are beautifully restored with dental implants.
![Jose M.HorakDMD]()
Jose M. Horak DMD
Dr. Horak specializes in restorative and implant dentistry. With the constantly evolving field of dentistry, his focus is on education, innovation and advancing his skill development to provide the highest quality dental care to his patients.
![Katie N.RodriquezDMD, MS]()
Katie N. Rodriquez DMD, MS
Dr. Rodriguez seeks to achieve long-lasting, and beautiful outcomes for all her patients. Her repertoire includes both surgical and restorative experience for replacing missing teeth with all types of dental restorations.
What is TMJ and how does it affect me?
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) refers to pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint, often causing headaches, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and facial discomfort. It can be caused by injury, stress, or misalignment of the teeth.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ?
Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when chewing, headaches, earaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Some people also experience neck or shoulder pain associated with TMJ.
How is TMJ treated?
Treatment for TMJ may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications for pain relief, or dental appliances like night guards to prevent teeth grinding. In some cases, more advanced treatments such as injections or surgery may be recommended.
Can stress cause TMJ?
Yes, stress is a common trigger for TMJ. Stress can lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, both of which strain the temporomandibular joint, causing pain and discomfort.
Do I need surgery for TMJ?
Surgery is typically a last resort for TMJ treatment. Most patients find relief with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, and wearing a night guard. In severe cases, surgery may be required if other treatments are ineffective.
