At K&E Advanced Dentistry, patients in the Franklin, OH area have access to a wide selection of dental health solutions. When patients are diagnosed with TMJ disorders, they may be interested in learning about the non-invasive treatment options available. Many find that oral appliance therapy is affordable, effective, and comfortable.

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorders, sometimes referred to as TMD, are conditions that are affected by dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints. These are the jaw joints that hinge the lower jaw to the skull and allow patients to open and close their mouth. When these joints malfunction, it can affect the nerves and the muscles surrounding them, and result in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Clenching teeth
• Locking jaw (open or closed)
• Clicking and popping sounds when eating
• Pain radiating to the ears, jaw, neck, and shoulders
• Chronic headaches/migraines

When a patient has been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, the first line of defense for treatment, which is oral appliance therapy is typically recommended.

Understanding oral appliance therapy

Patients who are advised to consider oral appliance therapy may be unsure of how to proceed. They may want to learn more about what oral appliance therapy entails. Many are excited to learn that this is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require them to undergo surgical interventions, making it the ideal solution for many. Drs. Mamta Kori and Scott Everhart describe oral appliance therapy as the use of a special plastic mouthguard that can help in keeping the jaw aligned while also protecting the natural teeth and restorations from damage that can occur due to clenching and grinding of the teeth. This appliance is custom-made for a patient from medical-grade plastic that is soft and comfortable to wear. This treatment is often highly effective for most patients with TMJ disorders and can reduce a variety of the symptoms of TMJ/TMD.

Who is a candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Any patient who is seeking to avoid surgical intervention to relieve the symptoms of their TMJ/TMD disorder are welcome to ask the team at K&E Advanced Dentistry about the usage of oral appliance therapy to counteract these issues. Many find that this is the most affordable and easiest way of treating their condition and work closely with their dentist to get an appliance that fits comfortably.

When might I need surgery?

Patients who have tried oral appliance therapy and have had no results, or those who have more severe cases of TMJ disorders, may be better suited for surgical interventions. This is often a last resort and is commonly performed for patients who are being affected in their everyday life by their condition. When patients consult with our team, we look at a patient’s overall quality of life and determine which solution is best based on the severity of their symptoms.

Is oral appliance therapy expensive?

Absolutely not! This form of treatment is one of the most affordable options for the treatment of TMJ disorders, and some patients have dental insurance that will reduce or entirely cover the cost of the oral appliance. We can walk patients through any insurance benefits they may have on their plans and work with their providers to get them the best coverage whenever possible. Our front office team is well-versed in working with insurance plans and can obtain accurate information regarding upcoming procedures and techniques to help patients in choosing the solution most appropriate for their specific situation. We want to make sure that all treatments that are necessary are also within reach for patients.

Schedule a visit with Drs. Mamta Kori and Scott Everhart in Franklin, OH

At K&E Advanced Dentistry, patients in and around the communities of Franklin and Centreville, OH can seek quality, comprehensive care that improves their overall dental health and wellness, while also treating conditions such as TMJ disorders. Contact the office today to book your consultation visit with our staff and learn more about oral appliance therapy. Call (855) 912-7677 and visit the office at 3420 Atrium Boulevard, Suite 100. We welcome new patients to our state-of-the-art facility.