Facial Reconstruction

TMJ Treatment in the Mesquite Area

TMJ disorders are problems with your complex jaw joint, resulting in symptoms like jaw pain or a clicking sound. These arise when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and chewing muscles don’t work together properly. Thankfully, with advancements in medical science, TMJ disorders can now be more easily diagnosed and treated than before. Early detection is key to effective treatment, as some TMJ issues can lead to more severe conditions if left unchecked. Recognizing the symptoms early and getting diagnosed are crucial steps toward recovery. By addressing these issues promptly, treatment can help restore harmony between the jaw joints and chewing muscles, alleviating discomfort and preventing further complications.

DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specializes in TMJ treatment in Mesquite, Irving, Ennis, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our oral surgeons are experts at managing TMJ conditions, aiming to improve joint health and comfort. Understanding that treating TMJ disorders takes time, we’re committed to offering effective care. If you’re seeking relief from TMJ issues, schedule an appointment with us to explore your options for a healthier, more comfortable mouth and jaw.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders impact the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. Consider these questions:

Do you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth?
Upon waking, do you feel your jaw muscles are sore and exhibit stiff muscles?
Are headaches or neck pain a common occurrence for you?
Does the pain intensify when you clench your teeth?
Does stress exacerbate your teeth clenching and associated pain?
When opening your mouth, does your jaw produce a click, pop, grate, catch, or lock sensation?
Is opening your mouth to eat or yawn accompanied by difficulty or pain?
Have your neck, head, or jaws ever been injured?
Have you experienced issues with arthritis in any of your joints?
Have you noticed your teeth not touching as they used to when biting down?
Do the way your teeth align seem to change occasionally?
Is using your front teeth to bite or tear into food challenging?
Are your teeth feeling sensitive, or are they loose, broken, or excessively worn?

If your answers were yes to experiencing some or all of these symptoms, it’s likely that you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder. Understanding these signs is crucial for grasping how TMJ treatments work.

TMJ Treatment

DFWOMS has TMJ treatment options in Mesquite for people with jaw pain and symptoms such as clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. Our TMJ specialists will start with a thorough diagnosis of your TMJ disorder. Once we understand your specific situation, we will tailor the best treatment plan for you. This plan may include self-care methods and professional care to help improve your jaw function and relieve pain.

With our TMJ treatment in Mesquite, we aim to relieve jaw pain and muscle spasms. Our methods include using opioid-free pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle relaxants. For more targeted relief, BOTOX® injections soothe the masticatory muscles, while steroids decrease inflammation and pain in the joints. Key to our strategies are self-care treatments that further aid in alleviating discomfort and may include:

Practicing good posture
Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
Resting your jaw
Eating soft foods
Applying ice and heat
Exercising your jaw

Our doctors often recommend stress management techniques such as biofeedback, yoga, or physical therapy. We might also suggest a clear plastic appliance known as a splint or night guard. This appliance fits over your top or bottom teeth to keep them apart, relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. Different appliances serve different purposes. A night guard specifically helps prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth, which reduces muscle tension at night and protects the cartilage and joint surfaces.

What about bite correction or surgery?

In severe cases of TMJ, where the jaw is dislocated, won’t open, or has severe degeneration, surgical treatment such as arthroscopy or open-joint surgery might be necessary. Before surgery is considered, conservative therapy including bite adjustment, orthodontics, or restorative dental work is typically tried. These treatments aim to fix how your teeth fit together and improve jaw function without resorting to surgery.

If you’re dealing with the pain of TMJ disorders, which can include symptoms like jaw clenching and grinding your teeth, the skilled Mesquite team at DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to help. Our practice is recognized with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations accreditation for Office-Based Surgery, showing our dedication to safety and top-notch standards. Our doctors and staff are experts in their field, offering compassionate care and advanced treatments to give you the best TMJ treatment possible. Don’t put up with the discomfort any longer—contact us today to book your TMJ treatment appointment in Mesquite!