TMJ Therapy – The Colony, TX
Get Relief from Your TMJ Disorder
If you have difficulty opening and closing your mouth or live with reoccurring jaw pain, you are not alone. You may be among the 12% of Americans who live with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder). The hinge-like joint connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. It allows you to perform everyday tasks, like chewing and speaking. Unfortunately, injury to the jaw, a poorly aligned bite, or another underlying problem can cause it to have limited mobility, leading to a variety of painful symptoms. At Ridgepointe Dental, Dr. Austin Amos can stop your pain and improve your quality of life with TMJ therapy in The Colony.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your temporomandibular joint can function incorrectly for several reasons, such as arthritis, a habit of grinding your teeth, or an improperly aligned bite. No matter the cause, you can experience several symptoms, such as:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sensations when opening and closing the mouth.
- Jaw locking in an opened or closed position.
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness of the jaw or face.
- Neck or shoulder pain.
- Pain in the ears or ringing in the ears.
You can get the relief you need from your TMJ disorder with the help of Dr. Amos. He takes the time to discuss your symptoms and performs a comprehensive consultation to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. Besides a visual exam, he also takes diagnostic images to look for any issues that may be occurring below the surface. He creates a customized treatment plan based on the information to stop your discomfort.
Equilibration/Occlusion Adjustments
It is not uncommon for a poorly aligned bite to be the cause of your pain. Dr. Amos uses a minor dental procedure to reshape the biting surface of your back teeth using a fine polishing brush. This allows him to create a harmonious bite to take pressure off the joint. Your jaw is aligned into a more comfortable position using advanced technology to take the guesswork out of the process for more successful results.
Occlusal Splints
As an alternative to occlusion adjustments, a splint can also be used. This involves a custom-fit oral appliance that repositions your jaw. It looks like a mouthguard; however, it serves multiple purposes. It not only acts as a protective barrier between your top and bottom, but it also retrains your jaw.
The oral appliance is made from acrylic resin material for your comfort. It moves your jaw into a more comfortable natural resting position to take the strain off your joints. Over time, your jaw it trained to fall into this position on its own for long-term relief.
Get TMJ Therapy Today!
Your dentist in The Colony, Dr. Amos, can improve your quality of life and stop your pain with TMJ therapy. Supported by regularly continued education, he offers specialty services, like the treatment of TMJ disorders. He provides the individualized solutions you need to improve the function of your temporomandibular joints. Contact Ridgepointe Dental today to schedule your consultation.
TMJ Therapy FAQs
Dr. Amos and our team are ready to serve as your dentist in The Colony and help you find relief from TMJ disorder (TMD). However, it is understandable if you would like more information before you contact us to request an appointment. That is why we have put together the following brief list of frequently asked questions. Please reach out to us directly if you would like us to personally discuss any of these topics with you.
What Can I Do at Home to Relieve TMJ Pain?
We usually recommend professional treatment for people who suffer from TMD. However, home remedies can provide a measure of pain relief, especially when they are used alongside professional therapy. You might benefit if you:
- Temporarily stick to a soft diet
- Do not chew gum
- Use heat and ice therapy to relieve stressed facial muscles
- Take mild painkillers
- Perform facial massage
- Take more time to engage in stress-relieving activities
There is also limited evidence to support the use of essential oils in the relief of TMD pain. For example, lavender, peppermint, and chamomile may help.
Does TMD Ever Go Away on Its Own?
Many people who tough out the TMD pain find that their symptoms go away eventually. However, keep in mind that even if your symptoms disappear, there is probably still an underlying issue that requires treatment. Talking to a trained professional about the problem may be the best way to experience long-term relief.
Who Is Most at Risk for TMD?
TMD can affect anyone, but the highest-risk group is women of childbearing age. This may be due to hormonal changes or slight differences in jaw anatomy between men and women. Other than gender and age, some risk factors for this condition include a high-stress lifestyle, misaligned teeth, arthritis, and bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
Will TMJ Therapy Make My Headaches Go Away?
Various studies have established a link between TMD, headaches, and migraines. The connection may be due to the way TMD affects the facial muscles. It is common for individuals who receive TMJ therapy to experience less severe and less frequent headaches and migraines.
Does Insurance Cover TMD Treatment?
Insurance policies vary in their approach to TMJ therapy in The Colony; coverage may depend on the specific type of treatment provided and diagnostic information about your condition. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and file your claims. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover your treatment, your medical insurance might. For patients whose insurance doesn’t help them with their TMJ therapy, we are pleased to accept financing through CareCredit.