TMJ Therapy – Dallas, TX
Relieve Your Chronic Jaw Pain
Did you know there are small, triangular-shaped joints located right in front of your ears? If you place your fingertips at those points when you open and close your jaw, you should be able to feel small joints moving under the skin. Those are your TMJ (temporomandibular) joints, and they attach your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and perform many other essential actions with ease. However, stress or an improper bite can gradually force this whole system into disarray, leading to severe jaw/facial pain and other chronic symptoms.
Here in our Dallas dental office, your leading female dentist Dr. Mariya Barnett can help you regain the quality of life you deserve with focused, effective TMJ therapy. Our practice is open to patients from Lakewood, TX and surrounding areas – contact us today to get started!
Why Choose Mariya Barnett, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for TMJ Therapy?
- Detailed Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment
- Custom-Made Occlusal Splints
- Advanced Dental Technology
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull and gives it the wide range of motion necessary for chewing and speaking. TMJ disorder refers to when the temporomandibular joints and the muscles attached to them fall out of alignment, which can make it difficult to speak, eat, laugh, and sneeze comfortably. TMJ can happen due to factors like blows to the face and dental misalignments as well as chronic stress caused by frequent grinding or clenching.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Excessive pain in the jaw, face, neck, head, or shoulders
- Discomfort that feels like an earache
- Common, severe headaches/migraines
- Jaw joints that constantly click and pop
- The sensation of lockjaw and/or difficulty opening the mouth properly
Types of TMJ Treatment
If you suspect you are suffering from TMJ disorder, please contact our office or let our team know about your symptoms during your next appointment. Dr. Barnett will carefully inspect your TMJ joints, your teeth, and your overall bite for sign of distress. Based on her findings, she may recommend a treatment like:
An Occlusal Splint
We may recommend a customized oral appliance called a splint designed to cushion the jaw and help prevent bruxism (teeth grinding), which is a common cause of TMJ disorder. In many cases, the diligent use of such an appliance can help a patient create lasting improvements and greatly reduce chronic discomfort.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
If your TMJ pain is caused by your bite not aligning properly (malocclusion), we may be able to address the problem by reshaping the points of contact between your upper and lower teeth, which can help them fit together comfortably.
TMJ Therapy FAQs
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder (sometimes called TMD) can present itself in a variety of ways, which is part of why it's sometimes overlooked or even misdiagnosed. The most common symptoms include jaw pain or soreness, clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, difficulty chewing, and a jaw that feels stiff or locks in place. Many patients also experience chronic headaches, earaches, facial pain, or neck and shoulder tension as a result of TMD. However, the only way to know for certain if your condition is TMJ disorder is through a professional evaluation at our office. During your visit, Dr. Barnett will review your symptoms, examine your jaw joints and bite, and assess the range of motion in your jaw before coming up with a treatment plan suited to your needs.
How Is TMJ Disorder Usually Treated?
Treatment for TMJ disorder is rarely one-size-fits-all; the right approach depends on what's causing your symptoms and how severe they are. For most patients, a custom oral appliance is one of the most common and effective treatments. These work to gently reposition the jaw and reduce the impact of clenching and grinding during sleep. In many other cases, certain teeth can be altered to create a more balanced bite, which can alleviate TMJ pain. Depending on your situation, we may also recommend targeted jaw exercises.
How Does TMJ Disorder Affect My Dental Health?
TMJ disorder and dental health are closely connected, and the effects can be much more damaging than patients initially realize. Chronic teeth clenching and grinding, one of the most common contributors to TMD, gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity, chipping, and other issues that impact your teeth. A misaligned bite resulting from TMD can also cause uneven pressure distribution, putting certain teeth at greater risk for damage over time. When you address TMD, you aren’t just seeking pain relief—you’re also ensuring that your dental health is protected moving forward!
How Can I Relieve TMJ Pain at Home?
While professional TMJ treatment in Dallas is always going to be the most effective long-term solution, there are steps you can take at home to manage discomfort in the meantime. Applying a warm compress to your sore jaw for ten to fifteen minutes at a time can help relax tight muscles. Eating soft foods and avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy items reduces strain on the jaw joints during flare-ups. Also, being mindful of habits like chewing gum, resting your chin in your hand, or clenching your teeth during stressful moments can also make a big difference.
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