TMJ Treatment in Spring, TX
Do you find yourself experiencing jaw pain and discomfort? If so, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Luckily, there are treatment options available for those suffering from this discomfort – TMJ treatment.
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth with ease. However, when this joint breaks down or is injured, it can lead to unpleasant and painful symptoms, causing complications in your daily life.
At Oak Hills Dentistry, we offer a range of TMJ treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our experienced and compassionate team, led by Dr. Reagan Smith, can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis and cost estimate to help you determine the best course of action for your individual needs. If you’re located in the Spring, TX area and suffering from TMJ discomfort, reach out to us today!
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain: This is a common symptom of TMJ disorder and can range from mild to severe pain in the jaw area. The pain can be constant or intermittent and may worsen with movement or use of the jaw muscles.
- Headaches: Headaches are also common symptoms of TMJ disorder, especially when the pain is radiating from the jaw area to the temples, forehead, or back of the head. These headaches are often described as tension headaches.
- Earaches: TMJ disorder can cause pain or discomfort in the ears, including a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. This is because the TMJ joint is located close to the ear canal and can affect the ear’s function.
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing: TMJ disorder can cause pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down. This can lead to avoiding certain foods and affecting one’s nutrition.
- Facial pain: Pain in the face can occur due to TMJ disorder, and it may feel like a dull ache, throbbing pain, or sharp pain. The pain can be localized to the jaw, cheeks, temples, or even the eyes.
- Limited jaw movement: People with TMJ disorder may experience difficulty in opening or closing their mouths fully. This limitation can cause pain or discomfort when eating, talking, or yawning.
- Clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site: A clicking or popping sound from the jaw joint may occur when opening or closing the mouth. This sound can be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear): People with TMJ disorder may experience ringing in the ear, a condition called tinnitus. This is due to the proximity of the TMJ joint to the ear canal.
- Dental issues, such as wearing down of teeth: TMJ disorder can cause teeth grinding or clenching, which can lead to dental issues such as worn-down teeth or dental decay.
- Malocclusion (shift in the jaw): TMJ disorder can cause a shift in the position of the jaw, leading to an improper bite, called malocclusion. This can cause further dental issues, pain, and discomfort.
Symptoms may appear on one side of the face or both. Early diagnosis is essential for effective TMJ Disorder treatment.
TMJ Disorder Diagnosis
To accurately diagnose TMJ disorder, Dr. Reagan Smith will perform a thorough physical examination to assess the movement of your jaw and check for any signs of misalignment, clenching, or grinding. During this examination, Dr. Smith will carefully listen to your concerns and examine your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
To further evaluate your condition, Dr. Smith may use diagnostic tests such as digital X-rays of the jaw joints or a bite analysis. These tests can help identify underlying causes that may contribute to your TMJ disorder and inform the best treatment method.
In addition to these tests, other tests for diagnosis may also use electromyography (EMG), which measures electrical impulses from the jaw muscles. This technique can help determine how well your jaw is functioning and how long it takes for your muscles to relax after a contraction.
Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs can be used to assess the jaw joints and surrounding tissue, providing doctors with a detailed view of your condition. Finally, Dr. Smith may recommend a blood test to check for any underlying diseases or conditions that may be causing your TMJ disorder.
By utilizing a combination of these diagnostic techniques, Dr. Smith can develop an accurate diagnosis of your TMJ disorder and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. It’s essential to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for TMJ disorder to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
Dr. Smith understands the importance of using a customized approach to treating TMJ disorders. One of the methods he employs is the use of custom therapeutic appliances called Physiologic Orthotics.
These appliances are designed to help keep the jaw in a position where the jaw and facial muscles are most relaxed, allowing the body to heal. Similar to nightguards, Physiologic Orthotics can be worn while sleeping, but they offer more precise and targeted therapy.
Dr. Smith has completed extensive training on how to fabricate and adjust these custom appliances. He works closely with his patients to ensure that each appliance is tailored to their unique needs, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
The fabrication process involves taking precise measurements of the patient’s jaw and teeth using advanced technologies such as digital scanners and computer-aided design software. This information is then used to create a custom mold that perfectly fits the patient’s mouth, providing optimal support and comfort.
Once the appliance is fabricated, Dr. Smith will work with the patient to make any necessary adjustments to ensure the appliance is providing the desired therapeutic benefits. This may involve making slight modifications to the appliance or adjusting its positioning in the mouth.
By using Physiologic Orthotics, Dr. Smith can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. Additionally, he can help improve the function of the jaw and prevent further damage to the joint and surrounding tissues.
Overall, Physiologic Orthotics is an excellent option for patients looking for a non-invasive and effective treatment for TMJ disorders. With Dr. Smith’s extensive training and experience, patients in Spring TX can trust they are receiving the highest level of care and attention.
TMJ Treatment Aftercare
At Oak Hills Dentistry, the team understands that treating TMJ disorders goes beyond just providing traditional dental care. Along with providing comprehensive TMJ treatment options, the team also offers various ways to relieve pain and other associated symptoms.
One way to relieve pain associated with TMJ disorder is to apply heat packs to the jaw area, which can help reduce muscle tension and inflammation. Additionally, eating soft foods and staying away from chewy foods can help alleviate pain and reduce strain on the jaw. Patients may also be advised to avoid habits such as nail biting and gum-chewing, which can aggravate the TMJ joint.
Dr. Smith may also recommend exercises that can help strengthen the jaw muscles, promote better jaw function, and reduce the frequency and severity of TMJ symptoms. In some cases, muscle relaxants or medications may be prescribed to help alleviate pain, inflammation, or anxiety associated with TMJ disorder.
The Oak Hills Dentistry team recommends regular follow-up visits to monitor the progress of the TMJ treatment and make any necessary adjustments. During these visits, the team will assess the patient’s response to treatment and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
In conclusion, Oak Hills Dentistry offers a comprehensive approach to treating TMJ disorders, including various techniques to relieve pain and symptoms associated with the condition. With a focus on personalized care, patients can trust that they will receive the highest level of attention and support throughout their treatment journey. Schedule a consultation today to explore treatment options and receive a more accurate diagnosis for your unique situation.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
TMJ disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health, beyond just affecting the jaw. TMJ treatment offers many benefits, including:
Relieves jaw pain: TMJ treatment can help resolve jaw pain, regardless of whether it’s dull, chronic, sudden, or stabbing. This can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and make it easier to perform daily tasks such as eating, speaking, and smiling.
Protect your teeth: TMJ disorder can put a person’s teeth and dental restorations at risk. When a person clutches or grinds their teeth due to TMJ disorder, it can wear down or break restorations. TMJ treatment helps prevent this from happening, ensuring that a person’s teeth and restorations are protected.
Sleep better: TMJ disorder can cause pain, clenching, and grinding that can make it difficult to sleep. Seeking treatment can help a person get a good night’s rest, allowing them to feel more refreshed and energized during the day. Additionally, getting better sleep has been linked to improved mental and physical health outcomes.
Overall, TMJ treatment can significantly improve a person’s quality of life by addressing the underlying causes of their symptoms and restoring normal jaw function.
Additionally, TMJ treatment can help prevent future problems. When left untreated, TMJ disorder can worsen over time, leading to more severe pain and damage to the jaw joint and surrounding tissues. Seeking early treatment can help prevent these complications and improve a person’s long-term outlook.
Moreover, seeking treatment for TMJ disorder can have psychological benefits. Living with chronic pain or discomfort can take a toll on a person’s mental health and well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Treating TMJ disorder can help reduce these negative psychological outcomes, leading to improved overall health and well-being.
