TMJ Specialist in Tucson, AZ

Our TMJ Specialist in Tucson, AZ, Dr. Sharad Pandhi, has been  relieving patients of jaw pain for over 30 years. His approach to temporomandibular joint disorder is rooted in understanding your needs and providing solutions that restore comfort and well-being in the jaw bone.

Our Approach to Relieving Your Pain

For TMJ disorders, accurate diagnosis is key. Dr. Pandhi’s evaluation is a thorough exam of your mouth and jaw, done with state-of-the-art technology. As an experienced TMJ dentist, Dr. Pandhi focuses on relieving your symptoms and addressing the root cause of your TMJ disorder for long-lasting results. We’ll get to know every aspect of your condition, including jaw movement and muscle fatigue, so we can tailor his care to you.

We'll Examine Your Jaw

Temporomandibular joint disorder relief starts with a physical exam of the lower jaw. Dr. Pandhi’s approach is not just about identifying TMJ symptoms but understanding the underlying causes. This thorough approach leaves no stone unturned and gives you a clear picture of your TMJ.

  • Dental Issues in Upper and Lower Teeth: Misaligned teeth, cavities and high fillings can cause TMJ problems. A thorough dental exam helps to identify these underlying issues.

  • Bite Alignment: An improper bite can cause TMJ pain, so Dr. Pandhi checks the alignment of your teeth to make sure they meet properly. Maintaining oral health plays a crucial role in preventing TMJ issues, as poor oral hygiene can lead to dental complications that exacerbate jaw pain and dysfunction.

  • Grinding and Clenching: These habits can wear down the teeth and cause TMJ dysfunction. A close exam helps to detect signs of grinding and clenching.

  • Jaw Joints for Pain and Tenderness: A hands on exam of the jaw joints gives us insight into the level of pain and tenderness and helps us determine the severity of the disorder.

man with jaw pain from TMJ on the phone with sleep center
doctor with hair net and face mask looking at computer screen test results

We Use Advanced Medical Imaging Techniques

A physical exam gives you some insight, but with our advanced imaging, we’re able to see the TMJ in more depth. We use these advanced imaging techniques to supplement the physical exam to give you a full picture of your TMJ condition:

  • Panoramic X-rays: These show the entire jawbone, teeth and TMJs so we can see the bone structure.

  • CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) Scans: CBCT scans take images of the jaw, teeth, sinuses and facial bones. We combine these images to get a 3D view so Dr. Pandhi can see your facial anatomy.

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans: MRI scans focus on the soft tissues of the jaw joints. They show us inflammation, potential jaw locking and the disk position so Dr. Pandhi can see if the TMJ disk is functioning properly.

Treatment Options to Relieve Your Pain

From home remedies to advanced medical interventions, our comprehensive TMJ treatment options ensure you receive the care you deserve.

Treatments and Self-Care You Can Do at Home

Understanding that not all TMJ disorders require medical intervention, we empower our patients with knowledge and guidance for self-care, including addressing sleep apnea, a condition often associated with TMJ.

For patients suffering from TMJ dysfunction, Dr. Pandhi may recommend a custom-made plastic oral appliance to help realign the jaw and relieve pressure on the joint. 

Eating soft foods can help minimize strain on the jaw muscles, allowing inflamed muscles and joints to heal more effectively. It’s also beneficial to reduce jaw movements by avoiding excessive chewing, yawning, and other strenuous jaw activities that can cause pain. 

Additionally, incorporating stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises can help alleviate stress-induced jaw clenching and grinding.

Medication Options

For those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, medication may be an essential part of the treatment plan. Our approach to medication is judicious and tailored to your specific condition:

  • Antidepressants: Used to manage pain and reduce muscle tension.
  • Corticosteroids: Effective in reducing inflammation within the joint.
  • Muscle Relaxers: Aid in relieving muscle spasms and discomfort.
  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Commonly used to manage pain and inflammation.

Note: Medication is prescribed with careful consideration of your overall oral health and in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions.

Therapies and Surgical Procedures

When conservative treatments are not enough, our dental surgeon offer a range of specialized therapies and surgical procedures.

  • Cooling Therapy and Heat Therapy: These therapies can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Acupuncture: A time-tested method that can alleviate TMJ chronic pain.
  • Botox Injections: Used to relax overactive muscles contributing to TMJ dysfunction.
  • Corrective Dental Treatment: Aligning the bite can often resolve underlying TMJ issues.
  • Jaw Joint Replacement: A surgical procedure for severe cases where the joint is damaged. Damage to the temporomandibular bone can lead to severe TMJ pain, making early diagnosis and treatment essential to preventing further complications.
  • Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure to remove joint fluid, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.

Relieve Your TMJ Pain Today

A TMJ pain-free mouth is within reach, and it starts with understanding your options and choosing the right care. As your trusted TMJ Specialist in Tucson, AZ, Sleep Perfection is here to guide you every step of the way. So, schedule your personalized consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your comfort now.

FAQs

TMJ disorders arise from a complex interplay of factors. Common causes include: 

  • Conscious and unconscious teeth grinding
  • Jaw clenching
  • Arthritis in the jaw joint
  • Stress
  • Misalignment of the teeth or jaw 

In some instances, a combination of these factors may be at play, making it essential to have a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying causes for effective treatment.

Leaving TMJ untreated leads to constant pain and discomfort, escalating into chronic headaches and earaches. Difficulty in chewing or speaking might become pronounced. 

In more severe cases, untreated TMJ may even result in symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, and vertigo. 

Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital to prevent these complications and restore quality of life.

The healing time for TMJ disorders is highly individualized, depending on the underlying cause, severity, and chosen treatment approach. Some may find relief within weeks through conservative home treatments, while others with more complex conditions might require extensive medical interventions that take longer to yield results. 

Collaborating with a TMJ specialist to develop a tailored treatment plan is critical to understanding the expected timeline for recovery.