The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are joints on either side of the jaw. These joints act as a sliding hinge to connect the jaw to the skull and aid in biting and chewing. Patients can develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) if the TMJ is damaged or under stress. Genetics, arthritis, poor posture, and chronic bruxism can also factor in the development of TMJ disorders. At Majestic Dental, Dr. Yazan Sadeddin offers TMJ treatment in The Woodlands to alleviate the pain and discomfort that patients can develop due to TMD. TMJ treatment can restore the smile, creating a more comfortable bite and decreasing tooth and jaw pain.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can develop suddenly. It’s important to take notice of slight changes in the comfort of your teeth, jaw, and face. Common signs of TMD include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Headaches and migraines
- Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Sore jaw or neck muscles
- Ear pain (earache)
- Pain or swelling in the temples
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
Patients with severe TMD will require jaw surgery in the most severe cases. However, we can provide non-surgical options for patients with mild to moderate TMD who want to reduce painful symptoms.
TMJ Treatment in The Woodlands, TX
Dr. Sadeddin offers TMJ treatment for patients who experience bruxism, jaw pain, tooth wear, and other TMD symptoms. Nightguards are common treatments for patients with bruxism. Dr. Sadeddin will take dental impressions to create custom nightguards for patients who clench and grind their teeth at night or when stressed. Wearing this nightguard, especially during sleep, can prevent jaw pain, tooth wear, and morning headaches.
We may also recommend physical therapy for TMD patients. During physical therapy, patients learn to gently exercise their muscles, properly position their tongue, mobilize their joints, and eat a soft diet. Patients can also perform exercises that stretch the back, neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. Posture and stress in the muscles can exacerbate TMD symptoms and make everyday life uncomfortable. A combination of physical therapy, nightguards, and lifestyle changes can often lessen TMD symptoms.
Treat Jaw and Tooth Pain
Address TMJ disorders with professional care. Call Majestic Dental today at 281-820-6412. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Sadeddin online.