Splint Therapy/Bite AdjustmentWhen patients suffer from TMJ symptoms we begin with a conservative treatment. We generally prescribe a splint (also know as a night-guard), aniti-inflammatory medication, warm/cold compresses and occasionally muscle relaxants. We ask you to try to avoid clenching and grinding if you are aware of it during you waking hours. For many people this brings relief because it allows the jaw to rest in a more comfortable position that doesn’t strain the jaw muscles. It gives your muscles a chance to relax and sit in a more natural position. Dr. Esposito attends continuing education annually at the Dawson Center for Occlusion to learn the latest on TMJ therapies. Sometimes patients want the relief they find with the splint without the hassle of having to wear it. We can perform an extensive evaluation of your bite known as an occlusal analysis to see if there are any more permanent options to alleviate your symptoms. Sometimes it is as simple as a bite adjustment. This involves polishing some of the surfaces on your teeth so that your jaw is placed in a more healthy position. Other times it involves more extensive correction such as orthodontics or crowns.
|
