Jaw pain can significantly decrease your life quality. If you often experience headaches, migraines, jaw pain, or pain when chewing, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment can help relieve your symptoms and offer comfort. Eric Koch, DDS, offers effective TMJ Treatment Jasper at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas to help you feel better. He successfully treats patients via innovative dental orthotics and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). For more information, contact or schedule an appointment online at the office in Jasper.
What is TMD?
TMJ links your jawbone with the skull; you have a TMJ on each side. These joints enable you to chew, bite and speak. The joints can sometimes be inflamed, causing jaw tenderness, pain, headaches, or migraines. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) often results in pain in your jaw joint and muscles controlling the jaw movements.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
The specific origin of TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain might be due to a mixture of reasons such as arthritis, genetics, jaw injury, etc. The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders might include;
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Tenderness or pain in your jaw
- Aching facial pain
- Pain while chewing
- Locking of the joint, hence difficult to close or open your mouth
You can also benefit from TMJ treatment if the jaw makes a popping or clicking noise when you chew, bite down, or speak.
Effective TMD Treatments
In most cases, the pain linked with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with nonsurgical or self-managed treatments. Most medical professionals agree that the treatment should start with conservative treatment options and nonsurgical therapies. Surgery is normally the last option after conservative measures have failed, but some individuals with TMJ disorders might benefit from surgical treatments. It is recommended to seek medical attention if you have persistent tenderness or pain in your jaw or cannot close your jaw.
After a comprehensive oral examination, Dr. Koch will discuss your issue’s possible causes and treatments. The treatment that will most likely benefit you depends on your symptoms, dental health history, and age. The types of TMJ treatment offered at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas include;
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Dental Orthotics
Dental orthotics refer to customized oral equipment that enhances your jaw configuration. Your provider will take digital impressions via an intraoral scanner to certify your equipment fits flawlessly. The doctor then sends your scans to a dental laboratory that makes the custom appliance.
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TENS
This effective outpatient procedure uses low-voltage electrical currents to assist your muscles in relaxing. It relieves muscle tension hence minimizing the frequency of jaw pain and headache pain triggered by TMJ.
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Oral Surgery
The doctor may suggest oral surgery if your TMD symptoms persist after conservative measures such as TENS and dental orthotics. The surgery can be used to alter your bite permanently, reducing the risk of muscle tension and teeth grinding.
Do not struggle with discomfort and pain caused by TMJ disorders. Dr. Koch and his team at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas have you covered. Call to get in touch with an administrative staff member or click an online booking tool today.
