TMJ Therapy – Carrollton, TX

We Can Help Relieve Your Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMD or TMJ, is a condition resulting from injury or trauma to the jaw, to the joints surrounding the jaw, or the temporomandibular joint itself. TMJ may also be caused by excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth, which increases the amount of pressure placed on the jaw joints. People who have this condition need to see a TMJ dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment to relieve the associated pain.

When you visit us at Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton for the treatment of TMJ, we will carefully examine your mouth for signs of the condition in order to make sure that your symptoms are not the result of any other health problems. Learn more about jaw pain relief with TMJ therapy in Carrollton, TX. 

Why Choose Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton for TMJ Therapy?

  • Comprehensive Dentistry Under One Roof
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
  • Efficient, Comfortable Laser Therapy

What is TMJ Disorder?

Animated jaw and skull bone indicating location of T M J disorder

Located on each side of the head, the temporomandibular joints are the joints and jaw muscles that enable people to open and close their mouths. The unique joint is made up of the rounded bone of the upper jaw and a disc-like structure made of cartilage. Ligaments hold the joint together and help guide the movements of the jaw.

TMJ disorder refers to any problem that causes jaw pain and prevents this complex joint – including the muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones – from working properly. The condition is roughly twice as common in women as it is in men.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Woman in need of T M J disorder holding neck in pain

TMJ disorder can be caused by a range of factors, such as:

  • Grinding teeth
  • Bite misalignment
  • Jaw dislocation or injury
  • Arthritis
  • Poor posture
  • Stress

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Man with T M J disorder holding jaw in pain

Over 10 million Americans may be affected by TMJ disorder. Patients suffering from the disorder may experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the mornings
  • Jaw pain when biting, chewing, or yawning
  • Difficulty opening or closing one’s mouth
  • Popping or clicking noises when opening one’s mouth
  • Persistent headaches and neck aches
  • Sensitive teeth without any apparent reason
  • Pain in or around the ears

Living with these painful symptoms really disrupt your daily quality of life! To help ease your symptoms until you undergo TMJ therapy in Carrollton, you should eat smaller sized foods. Avoid eating hard foods or foods that require you to flex your mouth into a wide position. Anti-inflammatory pain killers can be used for temporary relief from pain.

TMJ Treatment

Occlusal appliance used for T M J treatment

Once the occurrence of TMJ has been confirmed, we will explore the best treatment options for you. Some minor cases can be treated at home by applying an icepack to the area and by stretching the jaw with exercises designed to increase the flexibility and mobility of the jaw joints. For maximum benefit, the exercise should be done two to three times a day.

If you are suffering from a more severe case of TMJ, there are a number of treatments that can give you permanent relief from the condition. One option is laser therapy. Laser therapy can increase the range of motion in the jaw and prevent pain and swelling.

Another option is equilibration/occlusal treatment, which addresses the teeth themselves, usually through dedicated restorations. Getting restorative dental work to replace missing teeth and straighten any jaw misalignments can work wonders in improving this condition. Since it is often caused by extra stress on the jaw, reducing the strain and pressure can often lead to complete relief!