TMJ Treatment – Lakewood, Dallas, TX
Find Long-Lasting Relief from Jaw Pain
Jaw pain and related symptoms have the potential to seriously interfere with your daily quality of life! The good news is that our dental team in Lakewood, Dallas, TX, is ready and eager to help you find long-lasting relief! With customized TMJ treatment, we can promote jaw health with the goal of allowing you to enjoy easy and optimal oral function. Continue reading below to learn more about this service, and then contact us if you would like to request a personalized consultation.
Why Choose Dental Center of Lakewood for TMJ Treatment?
- Customized Treatment Plans
- Skilled & Empathetic Team
- Conservative & Effective Treatment Options
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJs, otherwise known as your temporomandibular joints, are the small joints in front of your ears that control the movements of your lower jaw. They play an important role in biting, chewing, speaking, laughing, and more. When TMJs become injured, stressed, or otherwise damaged, TMJ disorder (TMD) can develop.
Some potential causes of TMD include:
- Teeth grinding
- Injuries
- Arthritis
- An uneven bite
In some cases, the exact cause of TMD remains unknown.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD is a complex condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- The sensation of lock jaw
- Tenderness and pain in the facial muscles
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain behind the eyes
- Difficulty chewing and biting
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Limited mouth movement
Types of TMJ Treatment
Before we can design your treatment plan, we will need to perform a thorough examination, which may involve taking X-rays or other images. We may also evaluate your bite and the positioning of your teeth. Please describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible so we can rule out other potential causes of your discomfort. Based on the information we gather during your appointment, we will be able to recommend your next steps. We are proud to offer two types of TMJ treatment:
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom oral appliance that is designed to prevent teeth grinding and clenching at night, which is a major contributor to many cases of TMD. The splint can also slightly reposition your lower jaw, which can help your TMJs and the surrounding muscles to relax.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
Bite problems are a common cause of TMD. If you have a crown, filling, or another restoration that is interfering with the way your upper and lower teeth come together, we may need to slightly adjust it. In some cases, we also have to make minor modifications to natural tooth enamel.