Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. This condition results when there is excessive stress or strain on the TMJs which act as a hinge, connecting your lower jaw to your skull. Patients who suffer from TMJ disorder can experience pain in the jaw, neck, and face, as well as other side effects. If you are seeking relief from these painful symptoms, Dr. John P. Goodman offers non-surgical TMJ treatment at his Kansas City, MO, practice. Contact our office to schedule a consultation
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
It is sometimes difficult to determine the exact cause of TMJ disorder, as the condition can be the result of various issues:
- Trauma to the teeth or jaw
- Teeth grinding, which is called bruxism
- Stress or anxiety
- Arthritis or other inflammatory disorders
During your appointment, Dr. Goodman will discuss the frequency and severity of your symptoms to better understand your unique case.
How is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?
During your consultation, Dr. Goodman will conduct a thorough exam to learn more about the structural causes of your condition. He will listen for clicking or popping, and feel the movement that occurs when you open and close your jaw. Dr. Goodman may place mild pressure on different areas around the jaw to locate the sites where you are experiencing pain. Diagnostic imaging, such as an x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be recommended to provide more information on underlying joint issues.
Non-surgical TMJ Therapy
We offer comprehensive non-surgical TMJ therapy to help patients avoid more invasive treatment. Dr. Goodman may recommend a nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) device, which is a small plastic mouthguard that fits over your anterior teeth. The NTI device has been approved to treat migraine sufferers, but it is also an effective option for TMJ disorder. The NTI device works by suppressing overactivity of the trigeminal nerve, which can cause night-time clenching and grinding. By relaxing the muscles that are involved in clenching and chewing, the appliance prevents contact between the upper and lower teeth while you sleep.
Since the device only partially covers your teeth, patients often find it more comfortable than traditional mouthguards. The effectiveness of the device is largely dependent on the way that it fits, so it is important that you select a doctor who has expertise in working with NTI appliances. Dr. Goodman will customize your device to ensure proper functioning.
What are the Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment?
Non-surgical TMJ therapy helps patients avoid more extensive treatments, such as joint injections or surgery. Injections can be very painful, and may require follow-up treatments. Jaw surgery is an invasive procedure that can require several weeks of recovery. We make every effort to tailor our non-surgical therapy to your case with the ultimate goal of relieving your painful symptoms.
Contact Us to Learn More
Whether you have received a diagnosis or are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder and would like to learn more about non-surgical therapy, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
