Soothe Your Aching Jaw With Zanesville TMJ Treatment

Unless you’ve studied anatomy, you’ve probably never heard of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ). You have two of them, one on either side of your head. They connect your jaw to your skull. In some people, they cause jaw pain known as a TMJ disorder (TMD). If you have a TMD, Dr. Charles Hawkins will relieve your pain with Zanesville TMJ treatment. He will create a custom mouthguard for you that:

  • Relieves pressure on your jaw and prevents teeth grinding, a possible cause of TMD
  • Allows you to eat your favorite foods more comfortably
  • Eases tension in your face, neck, and shoulders
  • Avoids potential damage to your tooth enamel causing by grinding
  • Reduces or eliminates migraine headaches

To discuss your jaw pain with Dr. Hawkins, call Hawkins Complete Dental Service today at 740-214-1301.

Custom Mouthguards Make You More Comfortable

A custom mouthguard will keep you from grinding your teeth. In addition to being linked to TMJ disorders, teeth grinding can result in worn-down teeth or dental damage such as cracks and breaks. Mouthguards gently move your jaw into a position that relieves the pressure on your TMJ. Custom-made mouthguards:

  • Ease TMJ symptoms including difficulty chewing, earaches, and headaches
  • Are comfortable to wear
  • Enable you to get a better night’s sleep and awaken without a sore jaw
  • Are more affordable than other possible TMJ treatments, which can involve orthodontics and surgery
  • Provide quicker relief than other treatment methods

Replacing Missing Teeth May Relieve Your TMJ Troubles

Missing teeth can affect your bite, which in turn can affect your TMJ. Dr. Hawkins may recommend replacing your missing teeth to relieve this problem. Replacing missing teeth will also make it easier for you to chew, eat, and speak. Your tooth replacement options include a dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants restored with a dental crown, a dental bridge, or dentures. Dr. Hawkins will help you determine which tooth replacement will work best for you.

If you think you might have a TMJ disorder, call Hawkins Complete Dental Service today at 740-214-1301. You can also request an appointment online. We’re happy to discuss your Zanesville TMJ treatment with you. Our office is located near Eaglesticks Golf Club and Foxfire High School.

Common Questions About TMJ Treatment

Can TMJ go away without treatment?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge below each ear that controls your jaw movement. A comfortable, properly functioning jaw joint is crucial to your health and quality of life because you rely on it all day long to eat, speak, yawn, and laugh. It’s possible for your TMJ to heal on its own, but rare. Often, treatment is required to realign and heal a malfunctioning TMJ.

What is the best TMJ treatment?

Surgery or orthodontics can help, but conservative treatment is ideal. It often involves everything from tension-relieving exercises to relax the muscles in your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders to anti-inflammatory pain relievers and custom mouthguards. Worn while you sleep, a mouthguard prevents your upper and lower teeth from grinding and clenching throughout the night. This alleviates your pain and allows the jaw joint to heal naturally.

Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?

Treatment for TMJ disorders is not mandated, but several states require medical or dental insurance providers to cover some of the costs. The best way to find out if your plan includes TMJ treatment is to contact your provider directly, or talk to someone from our team who can obtain that information on your behalf.

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