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TMJ / TMD Therapy - Merrimack, NH

Stop Jaw & Headache Pain

When someone hears the phrase “oral health,” most will think it refers to their teeth, and a few more will include their gums as well. Actually, there is one more important component: the jaw. A healthy jaw joint (known as the TMJ) is essential to being able to eat, speak, and smile properly. Issues with this joint (called a TMJ disorder, or TMD) can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, chronic headaches/migraines, and even neck/shoulder pain! Fortunately, our own Dr. Shetty is very familiar with this overlooked part of oral healthcare, so if any of the symptoms above sound familiar, be sure to contact us today to get the relief you need.

Why Choose Dental Designs of New England for TMJ/TMD Therapy?

Diagnosis & Treatment

Dentist looking at Skull and jawbone x-rays

As part of every regular checkup, we always look at a patient’s TMJ. If we believe that they may be suffering from a TMD, the next step is to perform a few quick tests to find out what is specifically causing the issue. Injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, and an uneven bite can all lead to a TMD. After determining the root cause, Dr. Shetty will recommend the appropriate treatment, and you can learn about the different options below.

Equilibration / Occlusal Adjustments

Model of smile with bite alignment treatment

When the teeth do not come together properly, this can sometimes prevent the TMJ from reaching its natural resting position, which leads to tension in the muscles and ligaments of the jaw. This tension can create pain that easily radiates upward, which is why a TMD is one of the leading causes of frequent headaches! To address this issue, Dr. Shetty can perform what is called an occlusal adjustment, in which she slightly reshapes a few teeth so they come together smoothly and enable the jaw muscles to relax.

Occlusal Splints

Model smile with occlusal splints

An occlusal splint is a type of therapeutic mouthpiece that can be used to address a variety of TMD-related issues. It works primarily by gently shifting the jaw into a more natural position which enables the muscles to relax and heal themselves. This kind of mouthpiece is only worn to bed, and it also provides a physical barrier between the teeth to protect from any nighttime grinding, which is very common with TMD. After a few months of consistent use, a patient should be able to go throughout their day symptom-free.

BOTOX® Injections

Woman withsmooth skin

Many people are familiar with BOTOX®’s ability to eliminate facial wrinkles, but it’s also an excellent tool when it comes to relieving TMJ pain. BOTOX® can be strategically injected into spasming jaw muscles in order to help them calm down and heal, which helps relieve any associated pain. The treatment itself only takes a few minutes, but the results can last for months at a time. It’s one of the most reliable ways to get quick TMD relief.

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