The Temporomandibular Joint, also known as the TMJ, is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. When there are problems with that area, on either side of the face, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMD.
Jaw/TMJ Treatment in Knoxville, TN
Gary R. Woodall, DDS, MAGD is proud to offer TMJ treatment.
If you experience TMD, it probably started with pain and discomfort in your jaw joint and the muscles around it. If you’ve been suffering for a long time, you may also have:
- trouble chewing,
- ear pain,
- back pain
- headaches,
- neck pain,
- difficulty sleeping.
Your jaw may often pop or lock up when you chew or open your mouth wide. Some patients even report dizzy spells.
The symptoms of TMD are numerous and often misdiagnosed as allergies or something else because there is no specific combination of symptoms that clearly indicate a TMJ disorder.
Treating TMJ disorders
Most people try to treat the symptoms at home with pain relievers and ice packs, to no avail. However, Dr. Gary Woodall can help you if your home remedies are not working.
He often recommends a custom-made mouthguard, an appliance that can relieve stress on the TMJ and help your facial muscles relax. However, some patients may need more extensive treatment, like surgery or implants.
CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS for TMJ disorders in Knoxville, TN
Dr. Gary R. Woodall, DDS, MAGD, PA is able to treat many patients who experience symptoms associated with TMJ disorders with custom-made mouthguards that fit securely over the teeth to help relax the jaw and facial muscles and relieve stress in the TMJ area.
A mouthguard is a non-invasive treatment option that can provide relief for the pain and discomfort of TMD. It is made specifically for you based on impressions and detailed digital images of your mouth that Dr. Woodall takes in the office. The mouthguard is fabricated in a lab from safe, durable, high-quality materials. Once you receive your mouthguard, you will wear it according to Dr. Woodall’s instructions to give you the most relief from your symptoms possible.
Don’t let TMD rule your life!
If you have been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, or you suspect that you may have one, or if you already have a mouthguard, but it is not providing the relief you are looking for, Dr. Gary R. Woodall will be happy to evaluate the state of your oral health and determine the severity of your TMJ disorder. After a comprehensive assessment, he will devise a plan just for you that may involve a combination of treatments, including possibly orthodontics, dental restorations, or oral surgery.
