Skilled TMJ Treatment in Covington & Abita Springs
If you've been dealing with chronic headaches or jaw soreness for years, finding an effective treatment option can consume your life and leave you feeling defeated. One of the most common causes of complications involving your jaws, face, and mouth is TMD or TMJ Disorder. At St. Pierre Dental, we're passionate about providing excellent TMD treatment to Covington residents and those in its nearby areas. Our care is centered around treating the root cause of your symptoms and improving your overall quality of life in more ways than one.
One of the defining features of our practice is that we build genuine relationships with our patients. As such, our team will work hard to help you feel comfortable and get to know you on a personal level. We can't wait to meet you and give you the TMJ relief that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Albert R. St. Pierre, Jr, and his experienced team!
CALL US: (985) 892-1227 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Is TMD?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also referred to as TMJ-D or TMD, encompasses various conditions that affect your jaw joints and their surrounding muscles and ligaments. Your head has two TMJs, one on either side of your face, just in front of your ears. When your mandible and joints are properly aligned, you're able to chew, speak, yawn, and swallow effortlessly. However, when your TMJs aren't correctly aligned, it can desynchronize your jaw movement and make previously easy actions more difficult.
One of the most common classifications of TMD is myofascial pain. It can result in pain and discomfort in the fascia or connective tissue covering your muscles. Fortunately, our dental office has extensive experience treating myofascial pain TMD and will work to find a treatment option that works best for you.
Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan
When you visit our office for the first time, Dr. St. Pierre, Jr. will ask you various questions about how you've been feeling. Do you have trouble opening and closing your mouth? Do your jaws consistently pop or click when manipulating them? Have you been dealing with shoulder or neck pain that won't go away with conventional treatment? From there, our doctor will conduct an extensive exam of your jaws and muscles, including taking detailed measurements of your mouth, to determine if the source of your pain is TMD.
Once he's certain that you're suffering from TMJ-D, we'll work to create your personalized Covington TMJ treatment plan. One of the most popular treatment options available to our patients is custom-made mouth splints. Mouth splints are removable dental appliances that cover several or all of your upper and lower teeth. Your splint will be custom-made for a secure and comfortable fit and is intended to improve your jaw function.
Covington TMJ Treatment FAQs
At St. Pierre Dental, we never want you to feel like you aren't being given the information you need. That's why our friendly and responsive team is here to answer any of your questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions about our Covington TMJ treatment services include:
TMD is characterized by sporadic flare-ups that can cause you pain and discomfort. Typically, flare-ups can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Custom-made mouth splints and other options can help reduce flare-ups and make your TMD more manageable.
Although every patient is different, bite splints shouldn't be worn for more than six months. We recommend wearing your bite splint only at night as overwearing it can be harmful. Dr. St. Pierre, Jr. and his team will provide you with detailed instructions on how long you need to wear your bite splits.
Although minor cases of TMD may go away without treatment, moderate to severe cases TMD pain or lock jaw require professional intervention. We'll work closely with you to determine the right treatment options for your TMD. It's also important to note that the sooner you receive treatment, the greater the chance of avoiding more symptoms, as TMD can worsen over time.
Covington TMJ Treatment for You
At St. Pierre Dental, we've seen firsthand how much TMD can negatively affect our patients' lives. That's why we provide skilled Covington TMJ treatment in conjunction with restorative function and cosmetic dentistry to get excellent results. If you're ready to get the treatment you need and move forward with your pain and discomfort-free life, our office is here for you. Call us today to schedule your next appointment and take the first step toward addressing the source of your jaw and facial-related issues!
CALL US: (985) 892-1227 REQUEST APPOINTMENT