Easing TMJ symptoms to support your best oral health and wellbeing
At Semidey Dental, we care for the whole patient, not just the teeth and gums. Led by Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte, our dental office in Davie, Florida, supports a beautiful smile and a whole lot more. During regular visits, Drs. Semidey and Tarte assess the state and condition of the teeth and gum tissues, as well as the health of the jaw. The teeth do not exist on an island. They can be affected by and also influence other tissues, structures, organs, and bodily systems. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction or Disorders embody this notion and require treatment to achieve oral and full-body health.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
There are two jaw joints located on each side of your face, known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints act like hinges, allowing your jaw to move smoothly and painlessly. The TMJs enable a wide range of movements, including opening and closing your mouth, chewing, speaking, and even yawning.
Your jaw is incredibly versatile, capable of moving up and down, side to side, and forward and backward. It handles these movements with impressive strength and precision, enduring thousands of repetitions daily under significant pressure from activities like eating and talking. These constant motions and heavy loads demonstrate just how robust and essential your jaw joints are to your everyday life.
What are TMJ Disorders or Dysfunction?
TMDs arise whenever these joints and their related ligaments, muscles, and other “parts” become “stressed.” Many of us tend to carry stress in our jaws. Often, this stress manifests as grinding and clenching of the teeth and jaws. This condition, known as bruxism, can be “nocturnal” (patients don’t realize they are grinding their teeth when they are relaxed and while sleeping). Or, individuals may “brux” during the day. Sometimes, the individuals that we treat have both awake and nocturnal bruxism.
How do I know I have bruxism?
Dentists like our own Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte are often on the front lines of diagnosing this condition. They may spot telltale signs of nocturnal bruxism during sleep. Because you are asleep, you may not realize you are grinding your teeth. If you are mindful, you can identify awake bruxism. Pay special attention to how you “carry” your jaw when distressed. For instance, when you are stressed while working or when concentrating, you may notice your jaw tense up. That tension can rise up to the temples and neck muscles.
What are some of the complications associated with bruxism?
You may experience chronic headaches or facial pain. For nocturnal bruxers, patients’ partners and spouses may even hear the grinding sounds when they are trying to sleep. Unexplained headaches and pain on the sides of the neck and temples may be present, too. Otherwise, during routine visits, Drs. Semidey and Tarte may notice things like enamel erosion and excessive wear and tear of the teeth and restorations like crowns. The repetitive force from grinding the teeth can lead to fractures and even a breakdown of the gingival attachments between the teeth and gums. Such damage may require aggressive restorative treatment.
Last but certainly not least, the considerable force placed on the teeth and supportive tissues can alter the shape of your face! The masseter muscles in the lower jaw hypertrophy or become overly “bulked up.” A formerly balanced facial shape can appear as a prominent or overly defined jawline over time.
What treatments are available at Semidey Dental?
At Semidey Dental, we offer a variety of treatments to help you achieve optimal oral health and well-being, including:
Botox® for TMD
The muscle-relaxing power of Botox® can be used for more than crow’s feet and expression lines. We precisely, safely, and painlessly inject Botox® into the masseters and other muscles, triggering a process that eases muscle tension. Since our treatments are so precise, you continue to enjoy natural chewing and other functions. With the muscles relaxed, many of our valued guests notice a significant improvement in the frequency and severity of common TMD symptoms like tension headaches and morning fog.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy helps to ease symptoms and prevent damage to the teeth, gums, veneers, crowns, and other restorations and tissues. Our customized night guards and advanced oral appliances provide effective relief:
- Night Guards: Customized to fit each patient’s mouth, these appliances function as a cushion to soften the impact on the teeth from behaviors such as intense grinding and clenching.
- Deprogrammers: Designed for more advanced TMJ treatments, these appliances help relax the jaw muscles and reduce tension, providing further relief from TMD symptoms.
Wake up to the many TMD therapies available at Semidey Dental. Schedule your consultation by calling us at (954) 939-0996.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t treat my TMJ(D)?
Temporomandibular Joint-related symptoms typically do not resolve or improve without treatment. They tend to worsen over time. Pain that you could ignore may later become debilitating and radiate to other parts of your face, neck, and shoulders. That pain may be more persistent. You may also notice new symptoms, such as frequent earaches, tinnitus, and jaw locking or stiffness. It’s essential to receive prompt evaluation and treatment.
How does Botox® for TMJD feel?
Botox® is an extremely well-tolerated treatment. Our team uses distraction techniques and the industry’s smallest, most comfortable needles to support a painless process. Most people experience no discomfort during treatment. To address any discomfort, we can apply a local anesthetic and a cold pack. We can also advise on ways to relieve temporary injection-site swelling, bruising, and soreness. These effects are typically minor.
How often will I need Botox® treatment?
Botox® is a temporary treatment, and its effects gradually wear off over time.
Most patients maintain their results with treatments every 3 to 4 months. However, individual response can vary based on factors such as muscle strength, metabolism, and treatment goals.
During your visits, we’ll monitor your response and adjust the timing to ensure consistent, effective results.
How do your nightguards compare to the ones at the store?
Nightguards available online or at the drugstore are not custom-made to fit your mouth. They either have a “universal” fit or they are an imprecise boil-and-bite product. Our appliances are designed and made to fit your mouth and your mouth only. This ensures your comfort and proper protection from the damaging effects of chronic teeth grinding. Our custom nightguards are also a great investment in your smile, oral health, and general well-being. They are made to our exacting standards and with premium materials. These features support appliances designed to last.
How do I care for my nightguard?
When not in use, it’s critical to store your nightguard properly. We will provide you with a highly durable and portable storage case. It’s also important to keep your appliance clean. When not properly rinsed, brushed, and periodically soaked in a cleaning solution, bacteria can accumulate on the night guard. Bacterial overgrowth can cause bad breath and increase your risk of tooth decay and oral infections. During routine visits to our office, we can also inspect the condition of your night guard and make necessary repairs and adjustments. We may also use special technologies to sanitize your appliance.
How do deprogrammers work to relax the muscles/reduce muscle tension?
Deprogrammers are designed to “retrain” the jaw by modifying learned chewing patterns. By deprogramming these patterns, your teeth can meet in a way that no longer stresses or strains the jaw joints, muscles, and related tissues. This type of therapy also identifies and promotes optimal positioning of the teeth and oral tissues.
Does insurance cover TMJD therapy?
Depending on the underlying source of your TMJ symptoms and the nature of your treatment, either medical and/or dental insurance may cover your therapy. For instance, pain management and physical therapy related to arthritis or degenerative conditions may be covered by your medical insurance plan. For dental issues and associated treatments, your dental insurance plan may cover at least a portion of TMJD care. There are many variables related to your specific circumstances, treatment plans, and your specific insurance plans and provisions.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause ongoing jaw pain, tenderness near the ears, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, and difficulty chewing. Many patients also experience chronic headaches, facial soreness, or neck and shoulder tension. Some notice their jaw locking or feeling stiff in the morning. At Semidey Dental in Davie, Florida, Dr. Alex Semidey and Dr. Sara Tarte carefully evaluate these symptoms to determine whether TMJ disorder is the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment.
How does Botox help relieve TMJ pain?
Botox is a non-invasive treatment that relaxes overactive jaw muscles responsible for clenching and grinding. When injected into targeted areas, Botox reduces muscle tension and limits the force of contractions that strain the jaw joint. This relaxation often leads to decreased pain, fewer headaches, and improved jaw movement. Many patients notice improvement within a few days, with results typically lasting three to four months. Botox offers a safe alternative for patients seeking relief without surgery or long recovery periods.
What role do night guards play in TMJ treatment?
Custom night guards are designed to protect the teeth and reduce stress on the jaw joint. Patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep place excessive pressure on the TMJ, which can worsen pain and inflammation. A properly fitted night guard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, minimizing strain and preventing further dental damage. By reducing nighttime clenching, patients often experience improved sleep quality and less morning jaw soreness.
What is a deprogrammer, and how does it improve jaw function?
A deprogrammer is a specialized oral appliance that helps guide the jaw into a more balanced position. TMJ discomfort is often linked to muscle imbalances or misalignment. By gently repositioning the jaw and allowing muscles to relax, a deprogrammer reduces tension and supports healthier joint movement. With consistent use, this appliance can help retrain the jaw muscles, leading to improved alignment and long-term relief of symptoms.
Are TMJ treatments at Semidey Dental invasive?
Most TMJ treatments offered at Semidey Dental are non-invasive and customized to each patient’s needs. Botox injections require minimal downtime, and oral appliances are comfortable and easy to use. These conservative approaches aim to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and prevent further damage without surgical intervention. If you are experiencing jaw pain or chronic headaches in Davie, FL, Dr. Semidey and Dr. Tarte can develop a personalized plan to help you regain comfort and improve your quality of life.
