Oklahoma City TMJ Dentist

Note: TMJ is not a recognized specialty of the American Dental Association. Therefore, no dentist can accurately claim to specialize in TMJ treatment. However, treatment of TMJ dysfunction is complicated and requires a great deal of postgraduate training. It is important to choose your provider carefully.

Oklahoma City dentist Dr. Michael Forth is a leader in the treatment of problems related to TMJ dysfunction. He has completed training with the prestigious L.D. Pankey Institute, a leading center for the study and treatment of bite-related disorders. Through careful diagnosis, tailored treatment plans and the use of the latest technologies and devices, Dr. Forth has been able to bring relief to hundreds of TMJ sufferers, even those who have gone years before seeking treatment.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common term that actually refers to many different conditions that cause acute or chronic inflammation of the joint connecting the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. TMJ disorder can cause severe pain, disrupt a person's normal bite, and lead to difficulties eating and sleeping.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need treatment for TMJ dysfunction:

  • Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
  • Dull, aching pain in the face
  • Earache (particularly in the morning)
  • Headache (particularly in the morning)
  • Hearing loss
  • Migraine (particularly in the morning)
  • Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
  • Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
  • Tinnitus
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Dizziness

Relieving TMJ pain

Treatment for TMJ will depend on the root causes of the condition in each patient. A number of different problems can result in TMJ dysfunction, so a careful diagnosis is essential. What helps one patient may be completely useless for another.

Some patients will find relief with simple exercises to relax the jaw coupled with application of moist heat. Other patients are helped by wearing a bite splint (also known as an orthotic) to help bring their bite into proper alignment. An occlusal adjusment (known as an equilibration) may be needed. In addition, a variety of medications are avaiable that, when used in conjunction with an appropriate treatment plan, can bring relief from pain.

For patients with severe bite problems, a complete rebuilding of the patient's bite in conjuction with a full-mouth dental restoration are required. In these cases, Dr. Forth works in conjunction with an oral surgeon to completely rehabilitate the bite and temporomandibulor joint. Dr. Forth's training at the Pankey Institute specifically focused on these complex cases and he has years of experience helping patients who suffer from these severe disorders.

If you think that you have a TMJ-related disorder or have TMJ and have been unable to find relief with other treatments, please call our office today for a consultation. You can even schedule a visit online.

 

.