If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain and related symptoms, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). This complex condition impacts as many as one-third of the adult population and can coexist with 30 other health conditions. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located on either side of your face, just below your ears, and connect your lower jawbone to your skull. When these joints are overworked or injured, the joints and surrounding muscles can inflame and cause orofacial pain. Factors that contribute to TMJ dysfunction or disorder include stress/anxiety, bruxism (teeth clenching/grinding), arthritis, improper bite alignment (malocclusion), and even tongue-tie (a restrictive lingual frenulum) when it causes malocclusion.
In addition to pain, this condition can negatively impact a person’s physical and psychological well-being, especially when symptoms are misdiagnosed and they don’t receive proper treatment. If you’re struggling with jaw pain, we encourage you to visit Magnolia Ridge Dentistry for an in-depth assessment. As a functional and holistic dentist, Dr. Kathleen Schuster looks at all your risk factors and coexisting conditions that can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Then, she recommends evidence-based TMJ treatment in Melissa, TX, based on your clinical case, including your jaw anatomy, bite alignment, symptoms, and severity.
If Dr. Schuster determines malocclusion (bite misalignment) contributes to your symptoms, an occlusal adjustment at Magnolia Ridge Dentistry can help. During an occlusal adjustment in Melissa, TX, Dr. Schuster carefully reshapes the chewing surfaces of your teeth to improve your overall bite alignment.
This procedure redistributes bite pressure evenly across your teeth, reducing strain on specific teeth and your TMJs. An occlusal adjustment also helps relax overused jaw muscles, which can lessen the frequency and intensity of headaches caused by muscle tension.
Before considering orthodontic therapy, Dr. Schuster performs a TMD-related assessment, such as Invisalign®. A differential diagnosis can cause orofacial discomfort and related symptoms, so it’s crucial to rule out other conditions.
Although occlusion has long been thought to be one of the leading direct and indirect contributing factors in TMD, studies are inconclusive about the effectiveness of orthodontic therapy. With that said, when malocclusion is the root cause of TMJ symptoms, orthodontics can be a viable solution to lessen symptoms in select cases.
Splint therapy is the cornerstone of TMJ treatment in Melissa, TX. The goal is to restore jaw-muscle function and decrease related pain by reestablishing a balanced bite. Two different types of splints or mouthguards are available, each with a specific purpose.
A stabilization splint is especially effective for bruxism because the mouthguard completely encloses your teeth, preventing tooth-to-tooth contact while maintaining your jaw position. Unlike a stabilization mouthguard, a repositioning splint must be worn all the time (except when you eat and for oral hygiene) to treat TMJ occlusion and prevent your jaw from shifting back to its unbalanced alignment.
We use Botox as a non-surgical treatment option for TMJ disorders to help relieve pain and discomfort. Botox works by relaxing the muscles around the jaw, reducing the tension and spasms that often cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. The treatment is quick and minimally invasive and provides relief for patients who struggle with TMJ-related symptoms. With Dr. Schuster’s expert care, Botox can offer a comfortable and effective solution to help restore normal jaw function and improve your quality of life.
The primary objectives of treatment for painful TMJs in Melissa, TX, are to lessen orofacial pain, increase mobility/function of the TMJs, and reduce facial muscle spasms. Of course, when debilitating physical symptoms are resolved, this improves quality of life. The good news is that with an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment, about 50% of people experience resolution of symptoms within one year, while 85% of people with TMJ symptoms recover completely in three years.
Although we offer cost-effective procedures to alleviate TMJ dysfunction, we never want to see price be a barrier to getting relief. As such, we accept insurance from all out-of-network PPO insurance plans and offer dental financing to make TMJ treatment even more affordable!
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