TMJ Therapy
Do you suffer from frequent jaw or facial pain? You may have TMJ.
Dr. Glen Wainwright offers temporomandibular joint disorder treatment, or TMJ treatment in Austin, Texas. The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder can cause pain to the jaw joint and the muscles that control the jaw. Common causes of temporomandibular joint disorder include teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism), trauma to jaw muscles, crooked teeth, and a misaligned bite.
Patients with these conditions are more prone to developing TMJ disorders because they put the jaw under pressure. This pressure can be painful and may result in more problems for patients. At Austin Dental Care, our TMJ treatment options are restorative options that help ease jaw pain and discomfort.
WHAT IS TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. When something is not working properly with this joint, you get the pain, popping noise and other trademark symptoms. This condition can cause severe pain that affects both sides of your face. Women are more likely to have it than men, and it’s most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40. In most cases, TMJ pain is temporary and will go away with proper treatment. Surgery, though often beneficial, is usually a last resort after you have tried all other options.
WHAT CAUSES TMJ?
We know that a variety of factors are responsible for TMJ issues. For example, your genetics, previous jaw injuries, or arthritis. Habitually clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth may also be to blame. But not every jaw clencher will develop TMJ.
Dentists are on the fence whether the symptoms come from the muscles around the joint or joint problems themselves, but any of the following conditions can increase your likelihood of developing TMJ:
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ?
Common symptoms of TMJ include the following:
If these symptoms persist, it is important to visit a dental professional. We can diagnose the possible causes of your TMJ and create a custom treatment plan to restore your jaw to excellent health.
HOW DOES AUSTIN DENTAL CARE DIAGNOSE TMJ?
When you come to our office with pain that sounds like TMJ, our team will provide a thorough inspection to diagnose the problem. We will listen for clicks and pops in your jaw and make a note of any tenderness that you feel. If necessary, we will conduct full-face x-rays to get a better understanding of the problem.
From there, our team will recommend a TMJ treatment option such as:
AT-HOME REMEDIES
When symptoms are mild, there are several at-home things you can try to help alleviate TMJ pain. Some of these tactics include:
However, patients who feel severe and frequent pain should call Austin Dental Care for an appointment with Dr. Wainwright. He will make sure that you get the treatment you need. Call our dentist in Austin, TX for a Consultation Today!