TMD Treatment in Fairlawn, OH

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an umbrella term describing tenderness and pain of the jaw joint and/or muscles controlling jaw movement. TMD is different from TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) because TMJ affects only the jaw joint.

If you are diagnosed with TMD, your jaw muscles are likely causing pain and tenderness. Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has various treatment options to help.

Symptoms of TMD

Please call Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic headaches
• Muscle aches, jaw pain, and/or pain under your ear
• Hearing popping/clicking/grinding noises when you move your jaw
• A recurring earache not attributed to respiratory or other illness
• Stiff jaw muscles
• Inability to open your mouth completely
• Feeling like your jaw “locks” when you open it

To diagnose TMD, we will evaluate your symptoms, take digital X-rays of your mouth and jaw and test your bite parameters. If no other medical issues are found to be causing your symptoms, you may need TMD treatment provided by Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.

Causes of TMD

Patients who grind or clench their teeth, have sleep apnea, or recently experienced trauma to the mouth and/or jaw may be at risk for suffering TMD. In some cases, patients with improper bites since childhood who never had their bites corrected may develop TMD. 

Improper biting and severely decayed teeth (when teeth are not aligned normally) place excessive wear and tear on jaw joints over time.

Beyond the Jaw: Our Comprehensive Approach to TMD Treatment

At Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand TMD isn't just a jaw problem. Its roots often lie in broader health and lifestyle factors. That's why our treatment goes beyond traditional methods, integrating stress management, overall wellness, and crucial airway considerations for lasting relief.

Stress, Wellness, and TMD

Chronic stress often leads to clenching and grinding (bruxism), straining your jaw. We help you manage these stressors by discussing relaxation techniques or recommending specialists. Your general health, including diet, hydration, and posture, also impacts TMD. We consider your overall wellness to support your body's healing.

The Critical Role of Airway Health

Many TMD sufferers have undiagnosed sleep-disordered breathing. When your airway is compromised, your jaw may shift to help you breathe, causing strain, clenching, and disrupted sleep. We perform thorough airway assessments and may collaborate with sleep specialists or suggest oral appliances to support proper breathing.

By combining targeted dental treatments with a focus on stress, wellness, and airway health, Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers a truly comprehensive path to TMD relief, helping you achieve lasting comfort and improved quality of life.

TMD Treatment at Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

To receive pain relief with effective TMD treatment, Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will determine whether they need orthodontic, restorative, cosmetic, or other dental treatments to correct an improper bite.

To facilitate pain relief, we will evaluate your bite. With the correct diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, your pain will be eliminated.

Temporomandibular disorder is entirely treatable without resorting to surgery.
Contact Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule an appointment if you have symptoms of TMD.