Longview Dental CenterTMJ Treatment – Longview, TX
Stop Your Chronic Jaw Pain
The lower jaw is connected to the rest of your jaw by the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, located right in front of the ears. Said joints are what let you chew your food properly and allow you to speak clearly. Because the TMJ is a particularly complex joint, it can be susceptible to strain or injury, which in turn can lead to a number of symptoms – some of which are very painful and others that can get in the way of normal daily tasks. The Longview Dental Center Team offers TMJ treatment for those suffering from chronic discomfort and other problems related to the jaw joints; call today to schedule a consultation if you’re tired of forcing yourself to live with the pain.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a term that’s used to describe a group of conditions that involve pain and/or dysfunction of
the TMJ or the muscles around it. Sometimes the issue might be that the joint’s disk has become eroded or has
moved out of the proper alignment. In other cases, the cartilage of the joint may have been damaged by arthritis, or
the entire joint might have been injured thanks to a sudden blow. To properly treat a TMJ disorder, we need to
narrow down the underlying problem so that it can be addressed directly.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
You might have a TMJ disorder if you notice any of the following problems on a regular basis.
- Chronic pain located in the jaw or other areas such as the head, neck, shoulders, or back
- Earaches or frequently experiencing ringing in your ears
- Inability to move the jaw properly
- Pain that occurs whenever you chew your food
- Noticing a constant clicking, locking, or popping sensation in your jaw joints
You may not notice every single one of these symptoms, and some of them might be side effects of completely different problems. We will proceed with treatment after we’ve confirmed a diagnosis of TMJ disorder.
Types of TMJ Treatment
We may recommend one or more of the following treatments if you’re found to have a TMJ disorder. Our
recommendations will be based on your unique situation, including the nature and severity of the dysfunction.
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a type of oral appliance that can help relieve TMJ symptoms in a couple of different ways.
First of all, it guides the lower jaw to a more comfortable resting position that takes pressure off of the jaw
joint. Second, it helps prevent bruxism (teeth grinding), which is commonly linked to TMJ disorders as well as
serious dental damage.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
A misaligned bite can have an adverse effect on the jaw joints and the muscles around them. Equilibration is the
process of adjusting the surfaces of the teeth so that they meet in a way that avoids putting too much pressure and
strain on the TMJ.
Treatment with a TENS Machine
A TENS machine sends a mild, ultra-low frequency electrical pulse into the jaw muscles, causing them to relax. This
encourages the release of pain-blocking endorphins and also helps work out any tension in the area.
BOTOX® Injections
BOTOX works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for the unconscious jaw movements that can contribute
to TMJ disorders. The treatment is very quick and straightforward, and people usually start seeing improvements
within a day or two.