Finding a TMJ Specialist in Thibodaux Louisiana

The NIH devotes billions to research deadly diseases, including cancer and heart disease. But TMJ disorders, which mainly affect women, receive far less funding.

Patients report that the splints and dental work they receive fail to ease their symptoms, which may include clicking sounds. Moreover, they often regret some or all of their treatment.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dr. Saal, a native of Gueydan, Louisiana, graduated from Riverside Academy and earned his undergraduate degree at Nicholls State University before earning his dental degree from LSU Dental School. He was also awarded a two-year fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery.

While many people experience jaw pain and TMJ specialist Thibodaux la symptoms, a minority develop more severe problems. These conditions may require jaw surgery to correct misaligned temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which help you chew and speak.

TMJ disorders can result from a variety of factors. Symptoms often stem from clenching or grinding teeth, which is called awake bruxism. This behavior is often a response to stress and anxiety. TMJ treatments can include custom oral orthotics to reduce the amount of force on the jaw, trigger point injections that relax tight muscles, and regenerative injections like platelet-rich plasma and prolotherapy that stimulate new tissue growth and repair damaged tissues. Some TMJ pain relievers are also used to control inflammation.

Neuromuscular Dentists

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, a clicking sound, or other symptoms of TMJ disorder, it’s important to consult a doctor for evaluation. These problems occur when the temporomandibular joints—the small hinges that connect your jaw to your skull—are not working properly. They can also lead to other issues, such as a sore neck and shoulders or headaches.

A TMJ specialist identifies the source of your discomfort by looking at three key areas:

Dr. Moreau uses state-of-the-art neuromuscular dentistry technology to examine your muscles, nerves, and the supporting jaw structure. Then, using a combination of TMJ treatments and therapy, he can correct the misalignment that’s causing your discomfort.

He may prescribe a custom-fitted orthotic to align your jaw into the optimal neuromuscular position. He may also recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation in the area, and trigger point injections to relax tight jaw muscles. These services can help you live a life free of jaw pain and dysfunction.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists focus on straightening your teeth and ensuring that your bite is in proper alignment. They also provide other dental services, including oral sedation dentistry and general dental procedures, such as fillings, extractions, and tooth-colored crowns. They can even help you avoid TMJ specialist in Thibodaux la by providing oral splints to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism.

TMJ orthodontists look at the mouth as a whole and address each jaw joint, muscle, and upper quadrant as part of the overall function. They understand that a dysfunctional jaw has a knock-on effect on how your entire mouth functions, so they are best suited to resolve TMJ problems.

TMJ pain can be caused by a number of factors, from stress to whip-lash injuries. TMJ treatment typically includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and ice packs. In severe cases, TMJ surgery may be necessary. This can include open-joint surgery, arthrocentesis, or a modified condylotomy. Symptoms of TMJ are usually not apparent until it is too late, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing jaw pain or clicking sounds.

Endodontists

Sometimes a general dentist will refer a patient to an endodontist because of an issue that needs extra attention. Endodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that deals with the complex structures found inside a tooth. These include the dental pulp, tissues and nerves. Traditionally, damaged or painful teeth would have been removed immediately, but today, it is often possible to save them with root canal therapy.

A root canal is the most common procedure conducted by an endodontist. But the doctors at Southern Endodontic Specialists have the specialized tools and training to treat much more than just a simple root canal.

TMJ disorders are caused by problems with the jaw’s complex joint system. Symptoms can range from pain or a clicking sound to headaches, earaches, and jaw stiffness. While the symptoms are frustrating, the good news is that treatment is now easier than ever before.