Dentists offer dental services for more than your teeth and gums. While they are very important, the health of your temporomandibular joints is also important for proper oral function. The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ for short, help you eat food and speak. If they become injured or sore, your oral function will suffer greatly. You can potentially develop a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, over time. Allen Dental Center offers TMJ treatment in Allen, TX, for patients who experience jaw pain or difficulty moving their jaw.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the base of the skull. It is on both sides of the head, just in front of the ears. The joint is responsible for the smooth movement of the lower jaw. This is how you can bite into food, chew food, speak, and yawn.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, refers to a group of conditions that can affect the function of the TMJ and associated structures. When the TMJ cannot function properly, this leads to pain, discomfort, and restricted jaw movement.
It is very hard to know what exactly causes TMD. However, it is most likely caused by facial injuries, stress, teeth grinding, misaligned jaw, misaligned teeth, arthritis, or muscle tension. TMD can affect people differently, and the symptoms and damage it can create vary from patient to patient.
TMJ Symptoms
TMD can present a range of symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Locked jaw
- Facial pain or headaches
- Earache or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Teeth sensitivity or toothaches
Please get in touch with our office if you notice any of these symptoms. We will work with you to find the best treatment options to address your symptoms.
TMJ Treatment in Allen, TX
TMJ treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and pain and return jaw functionality to normal. As a leading local dentist office, Allen Dental Center will also check to see if the underlying cause of your TMD is related to dental issues. Each patient will receive a personalized approach to their TMJ treatment in Allen, TX.
Custom Mouthguards
A custom mouthguard is frequently used to manage TMJ disorders. Your dentist can create one that will fit perfectly over your upper and lower teeth. The purpose of a TMJ mouthguard is to provide a barrier so your teeth can no longer make contact when you grind or clench your jaw while sleeping. This will help reduce strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles and protect the teeth.
A TMJ mouthguard will help patients find relief from their jaw pain, improve jaw functionality, and prevent wear and damage to the teeth caused by grinding or clenching.
Dental Treatments
We may need to recommend dental services if an underlying cause contributes to your TMD or if it has led to damage to your teeth. Dental interventions such as orthodontic treatments can correct bite misalignment issues. We offer Invisalign, which can properly align the position of your teeth and jaw to help reduce your TMJ symptoms.
You may also require restorative dentistry work to fix any damage caused by the teeth grinding. Worn-down teeth, chipped teeth, or cracked teeth may require dental crowns or teeth bonding.
Botox
Patients who suffer from headaches and facial pain from TMJ disorders benefit from Botox treatment. Botox is typically used for patients who want to address facial wrinkles like crow’s feet or lipstick lines. However, Botox can also alleviate orofacial pain, or pain patients feel in the face, jaw, neck, head, and mouth due to TMD. TMD patients can experience tense jaw muscles, facial pain, migraines, and headaches.
Botox is a neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals in the muscles, temporarily relaxing them. When we inject Botox into key areas of the face, it temporarily freezes the muscle, relieving pain and tension. Before we provide Botox treatment for TMD patients, we will numb the treated areas so patients will not feel pain during treatment. Then, we will inject Botox into the muscles in the face that require care. This treatment is quick and completed in just one visit to our office.
Following Botox treatment, avoid touching your face for about 24 hours. Remain upright and do not put pressure on your face, as Botox can spread to other muscles or parts of your face. You can gently exercise your facial muscles to help ensure that Botox penetrates your treated muscles. After several days to a week, you will notice a change in your facial muscles.
Botox results typically last 3 to 6 months. You can also visit our office for retreatment. We will recommend Botox in addition to treatments like physical therapy or nightguards for TMD patients.
Other Treatments
There are many other things you can do to help with TMD. Incorporating ways to reduce stress in your life can help. Practicing yoga, exercising, and seeking counseling are examples. If you are suffering from TMD, you should avoid chewing hard foods and candy to reduce the strain on the joints.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs may help manage pain and reduce inflammation. If you suffer from a severe TMJ disorder, you may require physical therapy or even surgery. We will evaluate your symptoms and any damage to your TMJ or muscles and may refer you to surgeons if you have complex TMJ needs.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Read answers to common patient questions about TMJ treatment in Allen, TX:
What triggers TMJ?
Several factors can trigger TMJ, including:
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can put pressure on the jaw and cause pain in the TMJ.
- Injury or Trauma: A blow to the jaw, head, or neck, such as from a fall or car accident, can hurt the TMJ and cause problems.
- Stress: High stress can cause tension in the jaw, leading to teeth grinding or clenching, which can trigger TMJ pain.
- Jaw Misalignment: If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause uneven pressure on the jaw joints.
- Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing pain and stiffness.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or holding your head forward for long periods (like when using a computer or phone) can strain the muscles around the TMJ.
- Age and Genetics: Sometimes, people are more likely to develop TMJ issues because of their genetics or as they get older.
How can I tell if my jaw pain or headaches are TMJ or something else?
It can be tricky to tell if jaw pain or headaches are from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues or something else, but there are some signs that might help you figure it out:
- Jaw Pain and Clicking Sounds
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching
- Headaches
- Pain in the Temples or Jaw
- Jaw Stiffness
- Ear Pain
- Pain when Chewing or Yawning
What is bite equilibration?
Bite equilibration is a dental treatment that adjusts the way your upper and lower teeth come together, or “bite.” When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause problems like pain in your jaw, headaches, or even worn-down teeth.
During bite equilibration, your dentist carefully shapes and smooths your teeth to make sure they meet evenly and comfortably when you bite down. This helps reduce pressure on your jaw and teeth, making your bite feel more natural and balanced.
Can TMJ cause ear pain?
Yes, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues can cause ear pain. The TMJ is located near your ears, so when the joint is out of alignment or not working properly, it can lead to discomfort that feels like pain in or around the ear. This ear pain might be sharp, dull, or even a sensation of fullness in the ear. Sometimes, the pain can also feel like an ear infection, even though the issue is with the jaw joint.
Other symptoms of TMJ that can affect the ears include ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or difficulty hearing clearly. If you have ear and jaw pain, talk to our dentist.
How can physical therapy help TMJ?
If you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, your dentist might recommend physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Physical therapy can be really helpful for relaxing and strengthening the muscles around your jaw and face.
Physical therapists can teach you exercises to help reduce jaw pain, improve movement, and relax tight muscles that may be causing discomfort. For example, they might show you stretches or massages that target the jaw, neck, and shoulders, which can ease tension. These exercises help reduce the TMJ pressure and improve jaw movement.
Can diet affect TMJ?
Yes, diet can affect TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. If you eat foods that are hard to chew or require a lot of jaw movement, like tough meats or crunchy snacks, it can put extra strain on your jaw muscles and joints. We recommend that you eat softer foods to give your jaw a break and reduce pain.
Can stress make TMJ worse?
Yes, stress can make TMJ problems worse. When you’re stressed, your body tends to tighten up. You may also clench your teeth or grind your teeth at night. This can put extra pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to more pain or discomfort.
Stress can also make you more likely to tense up your face, neck, and jaw. This can make TMJ symptoms like headaches, earaches, or jaw pain feel stronger.
Can you cure TMJ?
TMJ problems may not always be “cured” completely. However, you can manage and treat TMJ to reduce pain and discomfort. Many people with TMJ find relief through physical therapy, nightguards, medications, or lifestyle changes.
In some cases, TMJ symptoms can improve over time. For some people, lifestyle changes and consistent treatments can bring long-term relief. But if a more serious condition causes TMJ, it may require advanced treatments.
Treat TMJ Today
Your treatment options for TMD will depend on the severity of your case and can range from self-care and lifestyle changes to dental treatments. If you think you have a TMJ disorder, please get in touch with Allen Dental Center. We offer TMJ treatment in Allen, TX, for patients who need relief from symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, and teeth grinding.
Please call our dental office for TMJ treatment today at 972.640.7564 to book an appointment. You can also request a TMJ appointment online by filling out our form.