TMJ Treatment Austin
Lasting Relief for Stubborn Jaw Pain
Do you often suffer from jaw pain and sore facial muscles? It is possible that your symptoms are a result of TMJ disorder (TMD). Without treatment, this condition can cause ongoing discomfort and have a serious impact on your quality of life. The good news is that effective TMJ treatment is available in our Austin dental office. Continue reading below to learn more about how we may be able to help you find lasting relief, or contact us directly to set up an appointment. We are eager to serve you!
Why Choose Highland West Dental Care for TMJ Treatment?
- Effective, Non-Surgical Solutions
- Highly Educated & Skilled Dentist
- Convenient Payment Options
What Is TMJ Disorder?
You have two temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are located just in front of your ears. They control movements of your lower jaw. When they become stressed, inflamed, or damaged, you may start to experience symptoms of TMJ disorder.
TMD can have a range of causes, including a misaligned bite, injuries, arthritis, poor posture, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), and more. In some cases, the cause of TMD remains unidentified.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD can cause dozens of different symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw muscles or joints
- Lockjaw or inability to open the mouth fully
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Difficulty or pain while chewing or biting
- Pain behind the eyes or headaches
- Swelling on the side of the face
- Jaw fatigue or stiffness
- Sore facial muscles
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Types of TMJ Treatment
Before we can treat your symptoms, we will need to learn as much as possible about your case. We will examine your oral structures and ask for details about your symptoms. We may also use imaging equipment, such as X-rays, to take a look at your jaw joints. From there, we can start designing a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique circumstances. We offer a few different services that can address TMD, including:
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom-made orthotic device that looks like a mouthguard. It can place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent teeth grinding. It can also reposition your lower jaw in a way that helps to relieve tension in the surrounding facial muscles.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
If your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, we might recommend equilibration. By slightly modifying the chewing surfaces of your teeth (or crowns), we can encourage a more harmonious bite. This service can address the underlying cause of TMD and may provide long-lasting relief.
BOTOX® Injections
BOTOX is best known for its cosmetic applications, but it can also be a powerful way to relieve TMD symptoms! When it is strategically injected into the facial muscles, it forces them to relax. This can relieve soreness and pain. BOTOX is primarily for symptom management, so it is best combined with other TMJ treatments that aim to address the cause of the disorder.