The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) guide jaw movement. When these joints are irritated or misaligned, they can cause pain and stiffness in the face and jaw, and may also affect the ears and neck.
A TMJ specialist can treat these symptoms with a variety of therapies. These include trigger point injections, acupuncture, hyaluronic acid and steroid injections, physical therapy and more.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy
TMJ treatment Raleigh NC pain and dysfunction affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. The most common symptoms are jaw pain and stiffness, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and headaches. TMD can also cause neck or shoulder pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and changes to chewing or eating habits.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy, or PRF, is made from a sample of your own blood. This cutting-edge treatment concentrates platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells that contain growth factors that accelerate soft tissue and bone healing.
Unlike PRP, which requires external activation, PRF does not directly introduce exogenous stem cells into the treatment area, but it does increase the effectiveness of existing mesenchymal stem cells in the region. This process is similar to the vampire facial, which uses a patient’s own blood to improve skin texture and increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production. It is also used for knee repairs and wound healing. A-PRF is a newer generation of PRF that contains more monocytes and increases the effect on stimulating bone grafts.
Acupuncture
TMJ is a complex condition that impacts the jaw and facial muscles. It can cause pain in the jaw and head, tenderness in the face or neck, limited opening of the mouth, clicking or popping noises, locked jaw and headaches.
Our doctors can find the root of your TMD and recommend a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. They will perform a thorough history and interview to get a better understanding of your pain. They will also inspect your mouth, jaw and surrounding structures to diagnose the cause of your TMD. X-ray, CT or MRI imaging may be used to see your bones, tissue and muscles in greater detail and identify the causes of your TMD.
We may also use trigger point injections to reduce myofascial pain, a common muscle condition that can cause referred pain (when you feel pain in areas other than where the source is located). Botox can relieve orofacial pain, and hyaluronic acid injections can lubricate your jaw joint to help with movement.
Occlusal Adjustments
For patients experiencing pain, tenderness, or discomfort from bite misalignment, occlusal adjustment is an ideal solution. This simple, painless procedure corrects the bite by balancing and evenly distributing chewing forces on the teeth, which can prevent loosening or shifting. This treatment also reduces pressure on the supporting gum and bone structures.
During this treatment, Dr. Giggey uses a small, hand-held instrument to make small adjustments to the tooth surface that result in improved occlusion. Typically, these changes are minimal and do not affect the integrity of the enamel, so this is a safe and effective option.
If you are a resident of Raleigh, NC and suffer from TMJ treatment Raleigh NC, we can help you find the right treatment for your symptoms. We are experts in TMJ replacement surgery, a revolutionary solution that eliminates chronic pain and enhances jaw function. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to empowering you to live a happier, healthier life.
Mouthguards
Various mouth guards are available from the dentist to help alleviate TMJ symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth, gums, muscles and nerves. These occlusal devices are also a great option for athletes who play contact sports and want to protect their teeth from impact trauma that could cause TMJ problems.
Mouthguards are a type of dental splint that fit over the top or bottom teeth. They are usually made from a medical-grade thermo-polymer and activated with hot water to create a custom comfort fit. They can be used to treat bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), as well as TMJ pain, headaches, and jaw tension.
Mouthguards for TMJ are molded to fit the upper or lower teeth and can be fabricated to cover just select teeth, all of the top or bottom teeth or both. Depending on the type TMJ treatment Raleigh NC the dentist may recommend different splints for the patient. Bruxism splints are designed to relax the jaw muscles and can be worn both day and night.
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