TMJ therapy in Vienna

Do you have problems with jaw pain, headaches or difficulty chewing? Dysfunctions of the chewing organ, known as "cranio-mandibular dysfunctions" (CMD), are among the most common problems in dentistry. CMD disorders can seriously affect your jaw joint, making life uncomfortable and limiting your activities. Here at Smile4Life Dental Practice, we understand your pain. We have developed customized therapies that not only offer relief, but also provide a path to better health. When you choose us, you get access to expert care, the latest diagnostic procedures and customized treatment plans from a team that truly cares about you. Let's work together to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short, may be small, but it is a complex joint that is located directly in front of your ear. It connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows the jaw to move up and down as well as sideways. These movements are crucial for eating, speaking and yawning. Inside the KG is a cartilage disk that cushions the joint, as well as muscles and ligaments that help it function efficiently.

The symptoms

A temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when the joint and its components such as cartilage, muscles or ligaments are damaged or strained. This can happen for various reasons, such as injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, teeth clenching or dislocation. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include pain in the jaw, stiffness, noises such as clicking or cracking, headaches and occasionally swelling around the joint. Around one in ten people will experience this problem in their lifetime, which can make everyday activities considerably more difficult.

The diagnosis

The diagnosis of problems in your mouth requires a comprehensive examination by a specialist. First, we use comprehensive images of your teeth (panoramic X-rays) or other modern imaging techniques such as 3D X-rays (CBCT-Cone Beam Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). It is important to gather information about you - your health, your family's medical history and any previous accidents that have affected your face or jaw. This information is extremely helpful in determining exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. Depending on the results, the solution to the problem could be as simple as changing some habits, taking medication or possibly surgery to move your jaw into the correct position.

Symptoms & causes

If your jaw often hurts or the surrounding muscles feel stiff, you're not alone. You may find it difficult to fully open or close your mouth, which may seem overly challenging. There are also those strange clicking or popping noises you hear as soon as you move your jaw, sometimes accompanied by sharp pains. Headaches might seem like an everyday phenomenon, especially in the temple area. However, the pain doesn't end there; it can spread to your face, neck or shoulders and make you want relief. Have you ever felt a ringing in your ears or noticed that your hearing isn't as good as it used to be? And when you bite down, do your teeth seem misaligned? These are all signs that require your attention.

Causes of problems with the temporomandibular joint:

• Teeth grinding and clenching: These habits can put excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint, leading to inflammation and pain.‍‍
• Injuries: Jaw or head injuries, such as fractures, can directly affect the temporomandibular joint or lead to misalignments.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint and lead to joint inflammation or degeneration. Dislocation: The cartilage disc in the joint can dislocate, causing pain and limited mobility.
• Overuse: Overuse of the masticatory muscles due to habits such as excessive gum chewing can strain the temporomandibular joint.
• Misalignment: Incorrect tooth contact or pre-contact when biting can push the jaw into an uncomfortable position and strain muscles and the temporomandibular joint.
• Orthodontic treatment: Some orthodontic procedures can push the lower jaw back and thus create permanent pressure on the temporomandibular joint, making it necessary to adjust the muscles.
• Deep bite position: People with a deep bite position could wear down their front teeth more quickly and experience KG complaints and headaches due to the forced retracted position of the lower jaw.
• Recent dental restorations: New dental work such as crowns, bridges, fillings or dentures can cause problems if the bite is not correctly adjusted and balanced.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint can have a significant impact on daily life, making it imperative to seek help from professionals to achieve comfort and better functionality. At Smile4Life Dental Practice, our dedicated team is committed to providing you with personalized care. Our aim is to reduce your TMJ problems and improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint problems in Vienna

Determining the exact causes of temporomandibular joint disorders is crucial for successful treatment. Doz. Dr. Dr. Yerit will perform a comprehensive oral examination. This will examine your temporomandibular joints, facial muscles and the accuracy of fit of your teeth. He will intensively analyze possible reasons for your discomfort. To obtain a detailed picture of your jaw and surrounding areas, we may use panoramic x-rays or modern imaging techniques. We will also consider your medical history, previous injuries and your family's medical history to determine the underlying causes and contributing factors.

Treatments

We offer you various treatment options based on your diagnosis and symptoms:

Lifestyle changes: Small adjustments such as choosing softer foods, avoiding chewing gum and practicing stress management techniques can be effective in relieving symptoms.

Medical treatments: This category may include painkillers, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication. Physiotherapy exercises also help to strengthen and stabilize the jaw muscles.

Night splint: A night splint helps to change the nerve reaction patterns and ensures a more even distribution of pressure on the jaw thanks to its flat surface. It also restores the guidance of the canines.

Muscle Relaxation and Bite Adjustment: We use a special deprogramming tool to relax the muscles over a week, followed by adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment and dynamic function without restrictions.

New restorations: If existing restorations are inadequate or the patient has a deep bite, new restorations may be needed to recalibrate or elevate the bite and restore function.

Orthodontic solutions: In some cases, dental appliances such as mouth guards or splints are recommended to prevent teeth grinding and clenching.

Surgical alternatives: In severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct jaw misalignment and restore proper function.

At Praxis Smile4Life , we are at your side and focus on providing you with expert care for temporomandibular joint disorders. We develop treatments specifically for you that aim to alleviate your symptoms and improve your everyday wellbeing. Our experienced team utilizes the latest diagnostic methods and technology to ensure you receive the top-notch care you deserve.

Choose Praxis Smile4Life for comprehensive TMJ disorder treatment that puts your comfort and health first. Find relief and take control of your jaw health with our compassionate services.

Talk to the TMJ expert in Vienna today!

Make your appointment today at our Praxis Smile4Life in Vienna. Start your journey to a pain-free life with our customized treatment options today!