To learn more about TMJ disorder treatment, contact us near Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and Marco for a consultation.
Bonita Springs Dental Care
Dr. Fred Eck & Associates
8951 Bonita Beach Road
Suite 206
Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Phone: (239) 494-4088
Fax: (239) 992-8644
Marco Dental Care
Dr. Fred Eck & Associates
950 N. Collier Blvd. Suite 305
Marco Island, Florida 34145
Phone: (239) 719-1044
Fax: (239) 389-4999
Fort Myers Dental Care
Dr. Fred Eck & Associates
5781 Lee Blvd. Ste. 103
Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971
Located in Crossroads Plaza
Phone: (239) 303-4546
TMJ Disorder - Treatment Options to Relieve Your Pain
Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can experience a variety of symptoms, including jaw and facial pain, headaches, and hearing problems. Dr. Fred Eck has undergone specialized training to help individuals suffering from TMJ disorder. Effective treatment gives our Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and Marco, Florida patients relief from persistent pain and other TMJ-related problems. Visit us at Dr. Fred Eck & Associates to learn more about this unique condition.
Mouth Guards
For many people, stress-related teeth grinding causes a painful TMJ disorder. One treatment for this problem is to wear protective mouth guards. These soft plastic guards, which typically resemble orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards, shield the teeth from impact and make it more difficult to clench the jaws, helping patients avoid both tooth damage and clenching-related jaw pain.
Dr. Eck fits patients for totally customized mouth guards in order to offer maximum comfort and protection. By wearing them each night while sleeping, TMJ disorder patients can protect themselves from both short-term pain and long-term complications while getting more restful sleep.
Orthodontics
Some patients with a TMJ disorder experience problems because their teeth are misaligned. The teeth are shaped to fit together comfortably and precisely, and when they do not, bite problems can cause undue stress to the jaw and associated structures. This condition, known as malocclusion, is common among TMJ treatment patients.
Orthodontic TMJ treatment can help realign the teeth to take the strain off the jaw as well as the muscles and tendons that support it. Depending on the severity of the problem, Dr. Eck may use the Invisalign® invisible braces system or conventional orthodontics.
Stretching and Relaxation Techniques
Dr. Eck frequently prescribes a series of stretches and exercises designed to both strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, eliminating clenching related to a TMJ disorder. These exercises can also help improve alignment problems by repositioning the jaw. TMJ treatment exercises are simple and easy to perform at home in front of a mirror, and can help you gain control over your jaw muscles, giving long-term pain relief with a convenient non-invasive therapy you can perform at home. The specific series of exercises prescribed by Dr. Eck in your case will be tailored to meet your unique physical needs and abilities.
Surgical Treatment
Because of the unavoidable risks associated with any surgical procedure, surgery to correct a TMJ disorder is usually a last resort at our practice in Bonita Springs, also serving Fort Myers and Marco. However, if other TMJ treatment options have not been effective or are not appropriate to correct the cause of the disorder, surgery may be the best option available.
Depending on the specific cause of the condition, there are several possible surgical procedures that can be used to treat TMJ disorder. For example, if one or more teeth are missing, causing the remaining teeth to shift and create bite problems, dental implants offer an excellent way to replace the missing teeth.
Another example is joint repair or reconstruction. If the temporomandibular joint is damaged, it may be possible to repair damage, clean out bone fragments and other debris, or even replace the whole joint with an artificial one. Orthognathic surgery, in which the jaw itself is relocated, may also be an option. Other procedures are available, and Dr. Eck is fully qualified to work with you to determine which procedure best meets your needs.
Learn More about TMJ Disorder and Treatment - Contact Us - Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Marco
If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms that indicate a TMJ disorder, it is important not to wait before seeking treatment. Serving Marco, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs, Dr. Fred Eck can help you determine what causes your pain and help you solve the problem. With our help, you can avoid serious dental problems and live free from discomfort. Contact Dr. Fred Eck & Associates to schedule a consultation.