Jaw misalignment and other issues can cause you to develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, otherwise known as TMD. This condition can cause severe and far-reaching issues for your health. Dr. Damien F. Armstrong can help patients understand the causes of TMD, using advanced 3-D scans and measurements. He also offers effective TMJ treatment from our Downtown Chattanooga, TN, dentist office.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes irritated or misaligned, it can cause pain, clicking, stiffness, or difficulty opening your mouth. This condition is often called TMJ disorder or TMD.
TMJ disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Headaches or earaches
Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Tightness in the neck or shoulders
If you notice any of these signs, our team at The Mint Dental in Chattanooga TN can help identify the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
TMJ issues can stem from teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, stress, arthritis, or past injury. In some cases, bite problems or worn dental work can also contribute. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your jaw movement and bite alignment to pinpoint the root cause.
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Options may include:
Custom nightguards to prevent grinding
Bite adjustments or restorative dental work
Stress-management and relaxation techniques
Jaw exercises and physical therapy
In some cases, dental sedation for severe pain relief
At The Mint Dental, we focus on non-invasive, comfortable solutions designed to relieve pain and protect your jaw long-term.
Mild TMJ discomfort may improve with rest, stress reduction, and jaw relaxation exercises. However, persistent pain should be evaluated by a dentist. Early intervention can prevent further joint damage or chronic discomfort.
If jaw pain lasts more than a few days, worsens when eating, or interferes with daily activities, it’s time to schedule an appointment. The sooner you address TMJ issues, the easier they are to manage.
A full mouth reconstruction provides a comprehensive treatment plan to restore multiple aspects of your oral health. You can combine several restorative treatments to achieve your goals. Combining procedures can shorten your overall treatment time, limit costs, and provide you with a whole new smile
To begin your treatment, we will perform a full oral exam, taking highly detailed 3-D images and creating impressions of your smile. Dr. Armstrong will use these impressions and images to create a comprehensive plan that covers all aspects of your treatment. He may perform more extensive procedures in stages, to allow you to heal before beginning the next one. However, Dr. Armstrong can often combine procedures to provide you with faster, more affordable results.
