TMJ Dentist in Midlothian, TX
When opening and closing your mouth is painful, routine activities become challenging. If you suffer from TMJ, you know how uncomfortable and inconvenient consistent jaw pain can be. The good news is that finding relief from TMJ pain is possible. Here’s what you should know about TMJ treatment before scheduling a consultation with Dr. Vinton and the knowledgeable team at Soothing Dental.
Overview of TMJ Disorders
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, a small joint where the base of your skull and lower jaw meet by the front of your ear. It allows you to move your jaw freely, up, down, left, and right. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are relatively common due to how frequently this joint is used for speaking and eating. Most people refer to the temporomandibular joint issues as simply TMJ or TMD.
What Causes TMJ?
No one knows exactly what causes TMJ problems in some individuals and none in others. However, certain lifestyle factors can make you more likely to experience TMD symptoms, including:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Arthritis
- Injury to your neck, jaw, or head
- Jaw tightening (usually when you’re stressed)
Avoiding TMD may be impossible for some people, especially those with arthritis, but there are steps you can take to make you less likely to experience TMJ pain. These include:
- Not eating foods that require excessive biting or chewing
- Wear a mouth guard if you suffer from nighttime teeth grinding
- Use both sides of your mouth to chew
- Don’t put pressure on your temporomandibular joint by resting your hand on your chin for extended periods
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek professional TMJ treatment. While your symptoms may be mild at first, TMD can worsen over time if left untreated.
TMJ Treatment at Soothing Dental
If you’re diagnosed with TMJ, there are a variety of dental treatments to help you find relief. Many people find comfort by making a few changes on their own at home, such as:
- Resting their jaw as much as possible
- Eating soft foods
- Alternating cold and warm compresses
Soothing Dental also provides custom mouth guards to wear at night. Nightguards prevent teeth grinding, which can cause other issues along with TMJ symptoms. Nightguards relax the jaw while you sleep, avoiding the tension that causes headaches, jaw pain, or earaches associated with teeth grinding at night.
In rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a damaged temporomandibular joint.
TMJ Treatment Cost
The cost of your TMJ treatment will depend on the necessary treatment as well as what your dental insurance covers. Please contact our office for information on what your dental insurance includes.
Soothing Dental Can Help You Resolve TMJ Symptoms
If you’re interested in regaining your quality of life and finding relief from TMJ pain, the trusted team at Soothing Dental is here to help. Our TMJ dentist can help identify the source of your discomfort, manage your symptoms with a personalized TMJ treatment plan, and provide guidance on how to prevent them from returning in the future. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
Soothing Dental is a family dental practice that provides a luxury, relaxing, spa-like environment for the Midlothian community. We see patients of all ages!