TMJ Treatment – Chesapeake, VA

Diagnosis & Treatment

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

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

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

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!