Do you have an uncomfortable bite? Do you have discomfort or recurring pain around the jaw?
There are many symptoms and signs of a temporomandibular disorder, TMD, commonly called “TMJ.” The clicking sound in your jaw is not normal and may indicate you have TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a condition that involves issues with the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. These tiny joints are vital for eating, speaking, and even yawning. If they do not work correctly, they can cause discomfort, making it hard to eat and speak. TMD can impact your quality of life over time without treatment.
East Quarter Dental provides TMJ treatment in Dallas, TX, for patients with TMJ disorder. We offer several options to treat your TMJ and find relief from the pain and discomfort it can cause. Seeking treatment can reduce your pain and improve your oral health.
TMJ Symptoms
Dr. Barron looks for the common signs of a TMJ problem when performing routine dental exams. The signs he looks for can include worn teeth, tooth damage, and dysfunction in the jaw joints when opening and closing the mouth. There are also signs that you may notice between visits. These can include:
- Jaw pain
- Pain that spreads to the face, neck, or shoulder
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches or ringing in ears
- Difficulty opening and close mouth
- Change in bite
- Stiff jaw
A common symptom of a TMJ disorder is teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can contribute to the symptoms of discomfort and affect the appearance of the teeth. If you notice that your teeth appear flat on the top, this may mean that you are grinding your teeth. Most people grind their teeth during sleep or when they experience high levels of stress.
Regular dental care visits allow our team to spot these signs in the early stage of a developing dental problem. Treated promptly, a TMJ disorder can often be addressed with conservative treatment.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
If you suffer from symptoms of this oral problem, speak to your dentist. Dr. Barron will ask you a series of questions. What your symptoms are, when you first notice the pain, and whether your jaw makes sounds are all vital questions to diagnosing your TMJ disorder.
They will also conduct a thorough exam. Your dentist will check for tenderness, analyze the range of motion, and listen for any unusual sounds in your jaw.
TMJ Treatment in Dallas, TX: What are my Options?
Treating TMJ will look different for each patient. Your dentist will consider your TMJ symptoms and lifestyle. In most cases, we can successfully treat your TMJ disorder, however we may need to refer you another specialist. In severe cases, patients will need physical therapy or even surgery.
Nightguard
The most common treatment for TMJ is a nightguard. The development of this disorder is commonly caused by teeth grinding, or the grinding will worsen your symptoms. You are probably not aware that your grind your teeth. However, your dentist can easily spot the signs.
The process of getting a nightguard is simple. We will take molds of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. When you receive your custom nightguard, it might feel a bit strange at first. However, with consistent use, you will adapt quickly.
This small device creates a barrier between your teeth. You will be unable to grind your teeth or clench your jaw. A nightguard will help reduce that strain your jaw muscles. It will also align your bite. An unaligned bite is another common cause of TMJ pain. Within a few weeks, you may notice less tension and fewer headaches, making mornings much more pleasant.
Botox
Dr. Barron also offers advanced treatment for TMJ with therapeutic Botox. She can administer strategic injections in the jaw joints, temples or forehead areas can reduce muscle tension. Botox can help the jaw joints to relax, and reduce chronic pain.
Botox works by relaxing the treated muscles, stopping the ongoing tension and muscle contractions causing chronic discomfort. Patients will experience a gradual ease of jaw dysfunction and painful symptoms. The injection typically lasts up to six months. A recent study has shown that the majority of patients experienced a positive result and a reduction in pain.
Am I a candidate for therapeutic Botox?
Dr. Barron will evaluate your oral health and discuss symptoms to determine if Botox injections are the solution for you. Botox is often a treatment option for patients experiencing significant pain and jaw dysfunction.
Is therapeutic Botox a painful procedure?
Botox injections should cause minimal discomfort. The entire process is typically quick and relatively painless. Patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites for the first day or two.
Invisalign
In some cases, patients need orthodontics to straighten teeth if malocclusion is a contributing factor. Invisalign can be a helpful tool in managing TMJ disorder. The aligners can help correct any misalignment in the teeth and jaws which will reduce the strain on the temporomandibular joint. Invisalign may provide you with relief from pain and other TMJ symptoms.
If you have a TMJ disorder and have been away from the dentist, we welcome you to visit with us at East Quarter Dental. Our team can work with you to identify the underlying cause of a TMJ problem and offer TMJ treatment in Dallas, TX.
Our downtown Dallas dental team is ready to help you with your TMJ issues. Call us at 469-529-5401 if you have any questions, or want to schedule an appointment.