Relieve Chronic Pain with Personalized TMJ Therapy in Lincoln, NE
Your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) may be small, but they have the extremely important job of connecting your mandible to the skull and facilitating essential movements like chewing and speaking. This enormous responsibility means that even the slightest dysfunction or aggravation can throw the entire system well off-balance, resulting in chronic pain that’s better known as TMJ disorder. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Jennifer Reed has undergone specialized training in diagnosing and treating TMJ-related discomfort, and she and the rest of our team will work hard to provide relief from your condition. Contact Smile Specialties in Lincoln, NE today to schedule your first consultation.
Do I Have TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a complex health condition that may manifest in different ways for different patients. However, there are some common symptoms, including:
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Excessive pain in the jaw, face, and/or neck
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Regular headaches and earaches
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Jaw muscles that seem strangely sore or stiff
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Jaw joints that constantly pop, click, and lock
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
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Occlusal Adjustment – Dr. Reed may make restorative adjustments to certain teeth in order to reintroduce harmony to the patient’s resting bite. This procedure could be as simple as some minor direct bonding or as complex as an entire full mouth reconstruction, depending on the patient’s personal needs.
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Occlusal Splint – A customized occlusal splint (oftentimes referred to as a “nightguard”) can help prevent interference caused by the patient’s teeth while also creating a proper resting position for the jaw and TMJ to relieve stress and fatigue. Over time, this technique may be capable of enabling long-term improvement for patients.
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Botox – In addition to creating beautiful cosmetic improvements for patients, the routine injection of Botox can help relieve TMJ and jaw tension by preventing unconscious muscle movements that produce headaches and other common symptoms.
