TMJ/TMD Treatment in Ellicott City, MD

How We Can Help Lessen the Pain in Your Jaw

If you’re experiencing joint pain in your jaw and wonder how our dentist can help in the treatment of your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), we invite you to keep reading to learn more about diagnostic and treatment solutions.

Getting to the Root of Your Sore Jaw

Although a sore jaw is one of the most common symptoms of patients seeking TMJ/TMD treatment in Ellicott City, there may be other reasons for your discomfort as well. Some examples include gum disease, bone loss, or an infected tooth. Because of this, one of the first things a dentist will perform during the diagnostic phase is an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI depending on the suspected problem. we utilize the latest scanning technologies to ensure precise diagnosis, so an accurate treatment plan can be developed.

Treatment Methods Available from a Dentist

Our dental care team is committed to conservative dentistry as our first course of action when assisting patients with their oral health, and this philosophy carries into our treatment of TMJ/TMD disorders as well.

Many people avoid visiting their dentist because they fear the only treatment for their TMJ/TMD is surgery. At Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, we will always recommend non-surgical options as the first line of relief from your pain. These can vary from medications such as pain relievers and muscle relaxants to nondrug therapy, such as oral splints and mouthguards. We may also recommend some alternative medicine options, such as acupuncture and relaxation techniques, to help you learn to reduce the stress in your life and the tension in your jaw.

The Bottom Line is That an Accurate Diagnosis is Necessary

Although alternative treatment methods such as those mentioned are highly successful in treating TMJ/TMD disorders, an accurate diagnosis must be obtained before any self-treatment begins. This is especially important if the cause of your jaw distress is an infection or other underlying condition that could worsen without a diagnostic evaluation from our dentist near you. Rather than continuing to live with your pain – and the risk of it worsening – why not make an appointment today?