TMJ Treatment
Are you tired of waking up with jaw pain that persists throughout the day? You may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
TMJ treatment can help alleviate painful symptoms that keep you from eating, speaking, and living comfortably.
Learn how the dentists at Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry in Spring, TX, can provide effective treatment to relieve the symptoms of TMD.
Get to Know Your Temporomandibular Joint
Your TMJs are hinge joints in the jaw that open and close your mouth. These joints are essential as they help you eat, speak, and make facial expressions.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder occurs when the TMJ or muscles surrounding it are dysfunctional. This disorder causes painful symptoms for the temporomandibular disorder patient and, if left untreated, can cause significant oral health problems. The disorder can affect anyone but is most common in:
- Women
- Patients who grind their teeth (bruxism)
- Patients with high stress levels
- Adults between ages 20-40
Have TMD Symptoms? Schedule an Appointment to Find Relief
If you resonate with any of the symptoms above, come one of our two Spring, TX, dental offices for a free consultation. Our dentists are highly trained and use state-of-the-art equipment to assess your condition and point you in the right direction.
Request a consultation online or by calling the office nearest you:
Cypresswood: (832) 847-6838
Auburn Lakes: (832) 737-1417
"Since the symptoms of TMJ might have overlapping symptoms with other types of conditions, people should see their doctors to be properly diagnosed." American Dental Association
TMJ Treatment Is the Only Way to Treat Symptoms
Take a closer look at how your TMJ disorder can cause painful symptoms to the jawbone and surrounding area.
Schedule a free consultation at one of our Spring, TX, offices to start treating your TMD.
"When people suffer ongoing symptoms, their doctors might recommend a variety of different treatments, including medications, non-surgical procedures, or surgery." American Dental Association
Solutions for TMD Patients
Relief from painful TMD symptoms is possible with treatment of the TMJ. Our offices in Spring, TX, offer the following solutions:
A mouthguard, otherwise known as a splint, is an effective, non-invasive treatment for TMD patients. The splint can help the patient's jaw alignment during sleep and provide a cushion between the teeth for patients that tend to grind their teeth. The splint is typically recommended for wear during the night.
While the mouthguard can help align the jaw, sometimes orthodontic measures can help with a misaligned bite causing the TMD. Our offices in Spring, TX, offer traditional braces and Invisalign® to help correct a misaligned bite or crooked teeth causing the TMJ disorder.
If these treatments don't provide relief, you may have a severe case of TMJ that can benefit from more extensive or surgical treatment options.
TMJ Disorders Can Cause Other Dental Health Problems
The only way to prevent your TMD from getting worse and causing other dental health problems is by seeking out treatment. Masking the temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms with pain medication will only temporarily solve your problem. If left untreated, a TMD can cause:
Worn Teeth
Tooth enamel can wear away over time from clenching and grinding the teeth. Worn teeth can result in sensitive, fractured, and chipped teeth. Worn teeth can also lead to a misaligned bite.
Bone and Cartilage Loss
The cartilage that supplies a cushiony buffer between your jaw joints and skull can wear away if a TMD is left untreated. Also, if your TMJ causes tooth loss, jaw atrophy can occur.
Missing Teeth
In extreme cases of TMJ disorders, patients may lose their teeth from the constant pressure put upon them. Your teeth may become loose and eventually fall out if you don't seek treatment.
Gum Recession
Clenching and grinding your teeth puts unwanted pressure on your gums as well as the teeth and jaw. This pressure can lead to gum recession and exposed tooth roots. From here, you're more likely to develop decay and increased sensitivity.
