TMJ Treatment – Chesapeake, VA

Relieving Tension & Pain in Your Jaw

Man in need of T M J treatment holding jaw in pain

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the set of small hinges that connect your lower jaw to your head, and they are also what allow it to move smoothly whenever you eat, speak, laugh, or yawn. Sometimes, this joint can become strained due to a misaligned bite, injury, or even stress. This can actually turn into temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), whose symptoms include a stiff, painful jaw, migraine headaches, and unconscious teeth grinding. If any of these signs sound familiar, you should seek out professional help from Dr. Lucia Troisi at Troisi Dentistry immediately. Call our dental office to set up your appointment for TMJ treatment in Chesapeake, VA!

Why Choose Troisi Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?

  • State-of-the-Art Technology in a Comforting Dental Office
  • Dental Team Fluent in Multiple Languages
  • Same-Day & Walk-In Emergency Dental Appointments

Diagnosis & Treatment

Model of jaw and skullbone used for T M J dysfunction diagnosis and treatment planning

When you first visit us showing signs of TMJ disorder, our first step will be to evaluate your teeth and jaw. This may involve capturing digital X-rays to get a clear picture of what’s going on. Once Dr. Troisi has identified the source of your pain, she can recommend the appropriate treatment.

 

Equilibration / Occlusal Adjustments

Animated smile in need of equilibration and occlusal adjustment

When the upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly, the TMJs are often unable to reach their natural resting position. As a result, the muscles and ligaments in the jaw are placed under considerable pressure that can eventually cause pain. To solve the problem, we may need to perform occlusal adjustments, also known as equilibration. This treatment involves slightly reshaping your teeth in particular areas to ensure that they fit together properly and don’t create tension in the jaw.

 

Occlusal Splints

Hand holding an occlusal splint for T M J dysfunction

Another way to relieve the discomfort of TMJ dysfunction is with an occlusal splint. This is a small, custom-made mouthguard that will slightly reposition your jaw into a more natural and relaxed orientation. As an added bonus, it also serves as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, so it works to minimize grinding and clenching that could worsen your pain. After a few months of wearing your splint to bed each night, chances are high that you’ll no longer experience any unpleasant TMD symptoms. 

 

Treatment with a TENS Machine

Woman receiving TENS machine treatment for T M J dysfunction

TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” which may sound complicated, but it’s really not! Dr. Troisi can use this device to gently stimulate the nerves and muscles near your TMJs in a specific sequence. This method of treatment eases tension in the area by encouraging the production of pain-blocking endorphins. In this way, it works with your body’s own natural healing abilities!