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Kent J Splaingard DMD
1923 Johnson Road
Granite City, Illinois 62040
618 877-6303
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Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you
receive treatment for your particular condition. Your dentist will
recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical
exam, taking appropriate X-rays, and perhaps confirming the condition
through other diagnostic tests. Your
dentist may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Only minor
corrective treatment may be needed. Treatment may be simple or require
more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of
severity. Some of these treatments include:
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Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or
prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or
anti-inflammatory drugs |
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Eating soft foods |
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Avoiding chewing gum |
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Applying moist heat or ice |
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Physical therapy |
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Teaching relaxation techniques to control
muscle tension |
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Stress management training techniques |
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Posture training |
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Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful
effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning
of the jaws |
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Adjusting the bite, known as "occlusal
equilibration" involving removing interferences when the teeth touch |
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Replacement of defective restorations that
prevent the jaws from meeting properly |
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Orthodontics, to put the teeth in proper
position |
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Surgery |
In most cases, the symptoms related to TMJ
disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your
discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to
the joint, muscles, or teeth. Be sure to discuss any questions you may
have about TM symptoms and treatment plans with your dentist. |
