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?
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?
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
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
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!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Will TMJ Disorder Go Away On Its Own?
While pain and other symptoms may slowly fade over time, the root cause of the problem cannot be resolved on its own. TMJ treatment in Carrollton is necessary to address overworked, strained, or damaged jaw joints. Also, a misaligned bite requires professional care to create balanced, pain-free jaw movement.
If you want to be free of headaches, a stiff neck and jaw, and persistent pain, the only way to achieve long-lasting relief is by scheduling a consultation with our team at Celebration Family Dental.
What Can I Do At Home to Relieve TMJ Pain?
At-home relief can come in many forms, including:
- Minimizing your stress with regular exercise, reading, healthy eating, and meditation
- Maintaining better posture
- Applying hot and cold compresses to minimize inflammation and pain
- Limiting or avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that require you to overwork your jaw joints and muscles
How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Treatment to Work?
There is no set timeframe for seeing results with TMJ treatment. The reason is that no two patients are alike, so it ultimately depends on the severity of your case and your commitment to treatment. At our office, we are pleased to offer equilibration/occlusal adjustment, laser therapy, and jaw exercises to help target the underlying cause of your problem.
Based on the severity of your jaw pain, we will formulate a plan to address the issue and help restore greater movement when opening and closing your mouth.
Once you get started, you should begin to notice results within a few weeks; however, this will vary from patient to patient.
Is TMJ Treatment Expensive?
Treating TMJ is a customized process, which means what you pay will not be the same as what someone else pays. When we meet for a scheduled consultation, our team will evaluate your bite and jaw joint to determine the appropriate treatment to improve your situation. Based on our team's decision, we will create a plan for you to review, along with a cost estimate.
Treatment may or may not be covered by your dental insurance plan, but you can be sure we will review your available benefits and help you save as much money as possible. If insurance is not an option, you can ask about flexible financing through CareCredit or our in-house membership plan.
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