TMJ Therapy – Carrollton, TX

What is TMJ Disorder?

Located on each side of the head, the temporomandibular joints are the joints and jaw muscles that enable people to open and close their mouths. The unique joint is made up of the rounded bone of the upper jaw and a disc-like structure made of cartilage. Ligaments hold the joint together and help guide the movements of the jaw.

TMJ disorder refers to any problem that causes jaw pain and prevents this complex joint – including the muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones – from working properly. The condition is roughly twice as common in women as it is in men.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can be caused by a range of factors, such as:

• Grinding teeth
• Bite misalignment
• Jaw dislocation or injury
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Stress

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Over 10 million Americans may be affected by TMJ disorder. Patients suffering from the disorder may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the mornings
• Jaw pain when biting, chewing, or yawning
• Difficulty opening or closing one’s mouth
• Popping or clicking noises when opening one’s mouth
• Persistent headaches and neck aches
• Sensitive teeth without any apparent reason
• Pain in or around the ears

Living with these painful symptoms really disrupt your daily quality of life! To help ease your symptoms until you undergo TMJ therapy in Carrollton, you should eat smaller sized foods. Avoid eating hard foods or foods that require you to flex your mouth into a wide position. Anti-inflammatory pain killers can be used for temporary relief from pain.

TMJ Treatment

Once the occurrence of TMJ has been confirmed, we will explore the best treatment options for you. Some minor cases can be treated at home by applying an icepack to the area and by stretching the jaw with exercises designed to increase the flexibility and mobility of the jaw joints. For maximum benefit, the exercise should be done two to three times a day.

If you are suffering from a more severe case of TMJ, there are a number of treatments that can give you permanent relief from the condition. One option is laser therapy. Laser therapy can increase the range of motion in the jaw and prevent pain and swelling.

Another option is equilibration/occlusal treatment, which addresses the teeth themselves, usually through dedicated restorations. Getting restorative dental work to replace missing teeth and straighten any jaw misalignments can work wonders in improving this condition. Since it is often caused by extra stress on the jaw, reducing the strain and pressure can often lead to complete relief!