TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is caused when the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is injured or damaged. Dr. Paul Karpovich offers TMJ treatment in his Timonium, MD dental office. He helps alleviate dental and facial pain caused by TMD symptoms with conservative treatment measures.
Dr. Karpovich may take x-rays to help determine the function of the bite and any areas of wear. Thoroughly examining the teeth and gums allows Dr. Karpovich to form a complete picture of the problem and recommend the appropriate restorative dentistry treatment.
Treat TMD in Timonium, MD at Paul W. Karpovich, DDS, P.A.
Dr. Karpovich provides night guards for most patients exhibiting the signs of a TMJ disorder, including worn or damaged teeth. Night guards are oral appliances worn during sleep that protect teeth from further wear and tear. Wearing a night guard takes the pressure off of the jaw and stops teeth from grinding together. Severe forms of bruxism can change the fit of the bite and cause discomfort and pain in the jaw, head, and face.
If you have mild TMD symptoms, you can treat them by:
- Performing jaw exercises
- Relaxing the facial muscles
- Eating soft foods to rest the jaw
- Using a heat pack
- Sleeping on your side
If you have mild TMD but your symptoms worsen, please call our Timonium dental office as soon as possible so we can help. Sometimes patients with TMD require restorative dental treatments like tooth bonding or dental crowns to strengthen and protect damaged teeth. We can also recommend specialists if you require surgery in the joint itself.
Treating the signs of TMJ early can help you to avoid permanent damage and the need for more invasive treatment.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
A TMJ disorder may manifest in multiple ways, including:
- Chronic headaches
- Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)
- Tooth pain and sensitivity
- Jaw soreness
- Tooth wear
- Lockjaw
- Muscle soreness
Please contact our office if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Dr. Karpovich will provide a thorough examination and create a custom treatment plan for you based on your dental health needs and range of symptoms.
Call Our Dental Office for TMJ Treatment Today
Stop chronic headaches and jaw pain at the source with treatment for TMJ. Call Dr. Karpovich at (410) 221-3085 or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients in the Hunt Valley, Towson, and Timonium areas. Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment options. We will be happy to help you get the answers you need.