The temporomandibular joint is one of the most important segments of the body, being responsible for all of the mouth’s movement. Individuals who experience pain or discomfort in the joint have TMD. If you are seeking TMJ/TMD treatment near you, consider contacting us at Golden’s Bridge Family Dentistry. As a dentist in Katonah, NY, we are dedicated to providing restorative treatments to help you return to your normal activities.

How Are TMJ Disorders Treated?

The exact treatment for TMD varies based on what the root cause of pain or discomfort is. When you visit Golden’s Bridge Family Dentistry, our dentist will perform a thorough exam to diagnose the cause of your TMD. As a supplier of high-quality TMJ/TMD treatment in Katonah, NY, we are willing to try multiple solutions to help you return to regular function.

Medication

• Medication is not meant as a long-term solution but can help you manage symptoms that are interfering with your regular activities. Our dentist can prescribe a few different options to help.
• Muscle relaxants to control spasms
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce discomfort and ease oral function
• Tricyclic antidepressants to stop bruxism and treat insomnia in patients who struggle with regular pain relievers
• Corticosteroids injected into the joint to relieve muscle tension

Therapy

Physical therapy is a good choice for patients who suffer from bruxism and are therefore damaging their joint by constant jaw clenching or tooth grinding. Through physical therapy, our dentist can

• Counseling to unlearn behaviors like teeth grinding, clenching, nail-biting, etc.
• The use of a mouthguard or oral appliance at night
• Physical therapy to strengthen the jaw muscles and reduce inflammation

Dental Work

In many cases, pain in the TMJ is caused by an irregular bite or missing teeth. Our dentist will inspect your current oral state and can install crowns, bridges, and other appliances to improve the structure and stability of the teeth. Braces can also help.

Surgery

If you do not respond to medication, physical therapy, or dental work, then our dentist might recommend surgery. Surgery on the TMJ is conducted by an oral maxillofacial surgeon, and is often done to reduce fluid, repair muscles, and strengthen the joint so it can function properly.