Columbia Family Dentistry – Columbia, Tennessee
TMJ Disorder
Effective TMJ Treatment
New Patients Call
(931) 548-6161
Existing Patients (931) 840-8890
Dawson Academy
Doctor for TMJ
Since Dr. Lauren Wilburn has completed advanced training at The Dawson Academy, she has a deep understanding of how TMJ affects the bite, treatment options for bruxism, and the benefits of an occlusal adjustment to relieve jaw pain. We have found many patients with TMJ benefit from an occlusal adjustment and need treatment for bruxism in the form of changing lifestyle habits and undergoing reconstructive procedures to restore damaged teeth. We are here to create a comprehensive treatment plan that will help to rebuild your smile and prevent TMJ.
Treating
TMJ Effectively
Many of our patients complain about jaw pain or notice they are having oral health issues because of bite misalignment. If you have a damaged jaw joint or a misaligned jaw, you might experience persistent pain or tenderness around the jaw, headaches, or upper shoulder pain. Dr. Lauren Wilburn may need to create a TMJ treatment plan to restore your jaw health and overall oral health. TMJ treatment options may include:
Dietary changes to reduce jaw tension and tightness
Jaw relaxation exercises
Occlusal or night guard
Cortisone shots for inflammation and pain
Jaw joint replacement surgery
Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a bad habit that can wreak havoc on your teeth. If you grind your teeth when you are stressed, angry or even when you are sleeping, you may damage your teeth and cause bite problems. We work with the patient to help break the habit of teeth grinding. An occlusal adjustment and repairing the teeth with reconstructive procedures may also be needed.
How Bruxism Affects
Your Oral Health
Many patients with a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth do not realize how much this habit can negatively impact their oral health. Putting excess pressure or stress on the teeth can wear down the tooth structure, trigger a tooth fracture, or cause TMJ. Bruxism can cause some oral health and general health problems including:
Tips for Breaking
Teeth Grinding Habits
Here are some things Dr. Lauren Wilburn typically recommends to patients with bruxism:
Perform jaw relaxation sessions before bed
Cut back or eliminate caffeine from the diet
Avoid alcohol
Break habits of chewing on anything other than food
Pay attention to the mouth when chewing different types of food
Bruxism
Treatment Options
If we notice your teeth are severely worn down or damaged, we may recommend some lifestyle changes to break any teeth grinding or clenching habits. Eliminating caffeine and alcohol can help a lot of patients who may be subconsciously grinding or clenching their teeth. Wearing a night guard while sleeping may be necessary for patients who tend to grind their teeth at night. Learning how to manage stress without clenching the jaw and performing jaw relaxation and stretching exercises regularly can also help relieve symptoms associated with this condition.
Benefits of an
Occlusal Adjustment
If you are ready to transform your look, schedule your private consultation with Dr. Wilburn today and start the Smile Design process. We are always here to answer any questions you might have about different services and financing your procedure. Let us help you achieve your dream smile on any budget!
Treatments for
Damaged Teeth
Patients who have suffered the effects of bruxism can also turn to our dentist in Columbia, TN, for tooth restoration treatments. Dr. Wilburn specializes in smile makeovers and performs several restorative procedures that can rebuild the teeth and transform your smile. Turn to us for crowns, bridges, veneers, and dental implants as part of your tooth restoration plan.
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Thank you for doing my Root Canal today. Everyone there treated me great. And I’ve had no pain! That’s always a plus.
-Kiki L.
New Patients Call
(931) 548-6161
Existing Patients (931) 840-8890