TMJ
Constant headaches and jaw pain can be debilitating, especially when it gets between you and your favorite foods, speaking, and generally living your life. No one should have to live in pain. It’s time to do something about the persistent neck, head, and jaw pain. When your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are irritated, they can cause severe pain, and your dentist can help you relieve your pain and treat the underlying cause of the irritation in the joints. At Prime Time Dentistry, our Frisco dentist will work with you to treat the underlying cause of your TMJ pain.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the joints that connect your lower jaw, your mandible, to the rest of your skull at the temporal bone. These joints allow you to swallow, chew, and speak. If these joints become painful, they can cause severe headaches, trouble with speech, and painful chewing and swallowing. Anything that disrupts the system of muscle, bone, and ligaments to cause pain is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Symptoms of TMD:
- Jaw pain or facial pain around your jaw, ears, neck, and cheeks
- Jaw stiffness
- Headaches
- Earache
- Popping or clicking jaw
- Pain when opening jaw or inability to completely open jaw
- Locking jaw
- Pain while chewing or talking
- Tired facial muscles
- Inability to make jaw line up properly
TMD can be very painful and debilitating. TMD is often treated by removing the triggers (chewing gum or hard foods) and using ice and heat to soothe the headaches; however, it is vital to discover the root cause of your TMJ pain. Your dentist will work closely with you to find the root cause of your TMD and develop a personalized treatment plan suited to treating your pain and protecting the oral structures in your mouth.
Causes of TMD:
- Jaw or neck injury
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, putting pressure on the joint
- Stress causes you to put unnecessary pressure on the joint by clenching
- Soft tissue damage to the joint or the disc in the joint
- Arthritis
- Dislocation of the joint
- Improper jaw alignment
Depending on the cause of your TMD, your dentist may recommend reshaping some of your teeth to fix your bite and may even suggest orthodontic treatment. At Prime Time Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. Our dentist will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will effectively and efficiently relieve your pain and restore your quality of life while protecting your oral health.
TMJ syndrome treatment in Frisco
Your dentist at Prime Time Dentistry will thoroughly examine your joints and muscles to determine whether or not you have any popping, difficulties with mobility, or tenderness. If you are diagnosed with TMJ disorder, your dentist will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan centered around the primary symptoms you are experiencing and the root cause of your TMD.
Oral treatments for TMJ disorders:
Night guards: Night guards can help you avoid clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep so your muscles can experience relief from the extra tension of clenching.
Occlusal splint: An occlusal splint is worn over your teeth like a mouthguard and can make changes to your bite so you can experience relief from your TMJ pain. Unlike other types of mouthguards, occlusal splints are made of acrylic.
Anterior Repositioning Appliance: An anterior repositioning appliance is a TMJ treatment that moves your jaw to relieve the stress on the muscles and joints.
If you are suffering from TMJ pain, don’t wait any longer to feel relief. Call our office today at 945-207-7463 to schedule your appointment.
