Pikesville TMJ Treatment 
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower and upper jaw. This joint is responsible for complex movements and any disturbance can cause a range of issues. At Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Maryland, Dr. Jennifer Ouazana has expertise evaluating the head and neck musculature in diagnosing myalgia and myofascial pain. For patients with TMD, Dr. Ouazana thoroughly evaluates all contributing factors and offers comprehensive treatment options.
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Some of the indications that you may be suffering from TMD include:
- Pain in the Jaw
- Limited Movement
- Clicking Sounds
- Muscle Spasms
- Jaw Locking
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
There are several causes of TMD including trauma, arthritis, teeth grinding, and jaw or teeth misalignment. Finding the cause of your jaw discomfort is the first step in restoring orofacial health as well as gaining improvement in your overall well-being.
How We Diagnose and Treat TMD
As part of your initial diagnosis, Dr. Jennifer Ouazana obtains your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and assesses your jaw’s range of motion. Our Pikesville dentist then examines joints and the accompanying muscles for tenderness. She also performs an electronic scan to determine which muscles in and around your jaw are hyperactive or fatigued.
Depending on the source or sources contributing to your incidence of TMD, our Pikesville dentist may recommend orthodontics to correct bite misalignment, have a mouthguard created to address teeth grinding, or provide a more recently discovered treatment option – therapeutic use of BOTOX® to reduce the impact of muscular overstimulation in the affected area.
Experiencing Jaw Discomfort? Don’t Delay Getting Help!
Contrary to what some may believe, disorders of the TMJ are unlikely to resolve on their own. Even if there’s a temporary period of relief, the longer these issues go without being appropriately managed, the worse they are likely to become. Before your dental appointment, here are some tips to reduce stiffness and pain in your jaw:
- Eat Soft Foods
- Avoid Chewing Gum
- Use Heat Packs
- Practice Relaxing Your Jaw
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Medications
If you are having pain, clicking in the jaw, or other symptoms of TMD, call our Pikesville dental office for an appointment right away. Dr. Jennifer Ouazana and his team are here to help you overcome these issues and return to a productive, healthy lifestyle.