Get Rid of Jaw Pain with TMJ Treatment in Dallas, Texas

If you have had it with the jaw discomfort caused by TMJ, call DNA Dental Dallas at (214) 295-9270 to learn how they can help.

The pain caused by TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, can be hard to live with. The good news is that patients no longer have to. Dr. Darya Timin and her team at DNA Dental Dallas are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ.  Call (214) 295-9270 today to find out how their services can help you make jaw discomfort a thing of the past.

What is TMJ? 

TMJ is also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, and it occurs in the joint where the upper and lower teeth meet. The jaw is a hard-working joint, and it must be correctly balanced. When problems occur in the jaw joint, pain can radiate to all the related parts of the head and neck.

Causes of TMJ 

The causes of TMJ are varied and can be hard to pinpoint. Here are some of the more common ones:

• Tooth grinding
• A jaw injury
• Arthritis
• A disease of the jaw’s connective tissue
• Poorly aligned teeth

Common Symptoms of TMJ 

TMJ has many symptoms, and they are often connected. They include the following:

• Chipped or ground down teeth
• Pain in the face, particularly around the jaw
• Headaches and migraines
• Dizziness
• Clicking when opening the mouth wide
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Pain or ringing in the ears
• Trouble swallowing
• Pain when eating
• Tooth pain
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

The longer TMJ is left untreated, the more symptoms might appear and the worse they could become. 

How to Treat TMJ 

Examination 

Examinations for TMJ sufferers start with the patient explaining his or her symptoms to the dentist. At this stage, the dentist will also closely review the patient’s dental and medical histories, looking for possible causes of the pain. Using digital imaging technology, the dentist will analyze the patient’s jaw structure and facial muscle function and check the position of his or her teeth, paying particular attention to how the upper and lower teeth meet when biting. 

Checking these elements allows the dentist to uncover the underlying causes of TMJ. Problems like an incorrect alignment of the bite, inflammation, and weak muscles can lead to TMJ. And the discovery of the cause is the first step to curing this uncomfortable problem.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Once you and your dentist understand the causes of your TMJ, treatment can begin. Luckily, non-surgical remedies, including bite adjustment or the wearing of a bite guard or orthotic, are very effective. 

Bite Adjustment

Bites can easily be adjusted by reshaping teeth. Often, worn-away teeth are a sign of TMJ, and building them back up can restore the jaw’s alignment. Fillings that are too proud and extend beyond other teeth can cause misalignment. Grinding these down helps teeth fit together the way they should and can relieve TMJ pain. 

Sometimes bite adjustment involves moving teeth into the desired position, and braces can achieve this. Today, braces can be clear and removable, making this option far less invasive than it used to be.

Orthotics 

An orthotic for TMJ treatment corrects the lower jaw position over a short period. Orthotics are made of hard acrylic and designed to help relax the jaw joint and its muscles. Wearing the orthotic also promotes better balance of the joint and muscles and helps the other muscles of the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back work in closer alignment. Orthotic treatment typically takes about four weeks. 

Night Guards 

Hard acrylic night guards, or bite guards, generally fit over a patient’s upper teeth. Night guards prevent the destructive grinding that causes teeth to wear out and exacerbates the problems of TMJ. 

Contact Us

If you are looking for relief from the pain of TMJ, look no further than DNA Dental Dallas. Led by Dr. Darya Timin, the all-female team at DNA Dental is committed to providing a stress-free patient experience while offering the latest preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental know-how, and TMJ treatment in Dallas, Texas.

For more information on TMJ and other treatments, call today at (214) 295-9270.