As expert dentists, Dr. Nithin Thampi and Dr. William R. Jennings understand how the jaw functions. They offer treatment for problems dealing with the jaw, not just the teeth and gums. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is located on both sides of your head in front of the ears.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is a term that refers to a problem that affects the joints, muscles, and nerves in and around the jaw. If you suffer from TMD, Stone Creek Dental offers TMJ treatment in Denton, TX to help you find relief from this painful condition.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
There are several common causes of TMD and TMJ pain. As a dentist’s office, one of the main causes we see is jaw misalignment. When the jaw joint is not properly aligned, it puts too much strain on the surrounding muscles and tissues, leading to pain and discomfort. This misalignment can result from factors such as teeth grinding, crooked teeth, missing teeth, or even trauma to the jaw.
Another common cause of TMD is teeth grinding or bruxism and jaw clenching. Many of our patients grind their teeth unconsciously, especially at night when they are sleeping. When you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, this puts significant stress on the jaw joint. Additionally, stress and anxiety can contribute to teeth grinding, further exacerbating TMJ symptoms.
While these are the most common causes of TMJ disorder, there many other reasons why TMD can develop. Each patient’s experience will be unique.
Common TMJ Symptoms to Lookout For
There are many symptoms of TMJ disorder and they can vary greatly from patient to patient. TMJ symptoms often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Some of the more common signs or symptoms include:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Frequent headaches
- Ear pain
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Facial pain
- Lockjaw
- Uncomfortable bite
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Toothaches
- Dizziness
The Importance of Seeking TMJ Treatment
If you are suffering from the signs and symptoms of TMD, you should be evaluated by Dr. Thampi or Dr. Jennings. Getting the proper treatment will help alleviate your pain and improve your overall well-being. TMJ pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to speak, eat, and sleep.
Ignoring the signs can even lead to permanent damage to the joint. The condition may get worse and, without treatment, lead to irreversible damage to your jaw joint and surrounding tissues.
TMJ Treatment in Denton, TX
Dr. Thampi or Dr. Jennings offers several treatment options for TMJ disorder. The treatment you require will depend on the severity of your condition, the underlying cause, and any damage that it led to.
TMJ Splint
One of the common treatment approaches used by dentists for TMJ is the use of a TMJ splint. A TMJ splint is a custom-made oral appliance that helps to reposition the jaw and alleviate strain on the joint. It is typically worn during sleep and works by providing support and stability to the jaw, promoting proper alignment, and reducing pain.
Invisalign
In more severe cases of TMJ, we may recommend orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces that uses clear aligners to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment. By correcting any bite issues or misalignments, Invisalign can help alleviate TMJ symptoms and improve overall jaw function.
Nightguard
A nightguard is a common oral appliance that dentists use to protect teeth during sleep. If your TMD is caused by teeth grinding, this custom mouthguard will protect your teeth and jaw at night when you are involuntarily grinding. They are custom-made to fit snuggly in your mouth. The goal is to hold your jaw in the proper position to prevent grinding and take tension off your jaw joints.
Schedule a Consultation for TMJ Treatment in Denton, TX
Seeking effective TMJ treatment in Denton, TX from Stone Creek Dental can help you manage your pain and symptoms. Don’t let TMJ control your life! Take the necessary steps to regain control and improve your quality of life today. If you suspect you have TMJ disorder, contact us at 940-329-4605 or request an appointment online by filling out the form.