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TMJ Treatment
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, you may be a candidate for TMJ treatment. So, what is the TMJ?
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone and the skull on either side of the jaw. These joints work like a hinge, allowing you to open and close your jaw.
Sometimes, the TMJ can break down or succumb to injury, leading to painful symptoms and complications. If you live in the Spring, TX, area, contact Oak Hills Dentistry for TMJ treatment options, cost estimates, or a more accurate diagnosis with Dr. Reagan Smith.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Facial pain
- Limited jaw movement
- Clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Dental issues, such as wearing down of teeth
- Malocclusion (shift in the jaw)
Symptoms may appear on one side of the face or both. Early diagnosis is essential for effective TMJ treatment.
TMJ Diagnosis
To help diagnose TMJ disorder, Dr. Smith will perform a physical exam after carefully listening to your concerns and examining your symptoms. During the exam, he’ll assess your jaw movement and look for signs of jaw misalignment, clenching, or grinding.
Additionally, he may take digital X-rays of the jaw joints or get a bite analysis to look for underlying causes that can help determine the best TMJ treatment method.
TMJ Treatment
Dr. Smith uses custom therapeutic appliances called Physiologic Orthotics to treat many TMJ disorders. Similar to nightguards, these appliances help keep your jaw in a position where the jaw and face muscles are most relaxed, therefore allowing the body to heal. Dr. Smith has completed extensive training on how to fabricate and adjust these custom appliances.
TMJ Treatment Aftercare
In addition to providing TMJ treatment, the Oak Hills Dentistry team can recommend other ways to relieve pain and other symptoms. This can include heat packs on your jaw, eating softer foods, avoiding biting your nails or chewing gum, and various relaxation techniques.
Dr. Smith may also recommend exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles, muscle relaxants, and medications to relieve TMJ pain, inflammation, or anxiety.
We recommend follow-up visits so that our skilled team can check the progress of your TMJ treatment therapy. Schedule a consultation with our Oak Hills Dentistry clinic in Spring, TX, to explore treatment options, receive cost estimates, and get a more accurate diagnosis.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
Besides affecting the jaw, TMJ disorders can have a far-reaching impact on your overall health. Benefits of TMJ treatment include:
- Relieves jaw pain: TMJ treatment helps resolve jaw pain, whether dull, chronic, sudden, or stabbing.
- Protect your teeth: TMJ can put your teeth and dental restorations at risk. Treatment helps prevent chronic clenching or grinding that can wear down or break restorations.
- Sleep better: Pain, clenching, and grinding characteristics of a TMJ disorder can make it difficult to sleep. Seeking treatment can help you get a good night’s rest.
Call Us Today
Call Oak Hills Dentistry in Spring, TX, at 281-350-8852 to review TMJ treatment options and cost estimates and get a more accurate diagnosis.
