TMJ Treatment – Lakewood, Dallas, TX
Find Long-Lasting Relief from Jaw Pain
Jaw pain and related symptoms have the potential to seriously interfere with your daily quality of life! The good news is that our dental team in Lakewood, Dallas, TX, is ready and eager to help you find long-lasting relief! With customized TMJ treatment, we can promote jaw health with the goal of allowing you to enjoy easy and optimal oral function. Continue reading below to learn more about this service, and then contact us if you would like to request a personalized consultation.
Why Choose Dental Center of Lakewood for TMJ Treatment?
- Customized Treatment Plans
- Skilled & Empathetic Team
- Conservative & Effective Treatment Options
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJs, otherwise known as your temporomandibular joints, are the small joints in front of your ears that control the movements of your lower jaw. They play an important role in biting, chewing, speaking, laughing, and more. When TMJs become injured, stressed, or otherwise damaged, TMJ disorder (TMD) can develop.
Some potential causes of TMD include:
- Teeth grinding
- Injuries
- Arthritis
- An uneven bite
In some cases, the exact cause of TMD remains unknown.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD is a complex condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- The sensation of lock jaw
- Tenderness and pain in the facial muscles
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain behind the eyes
- Difficulty chewing and biting
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Limited mouth movement
Types of TMJ Treatment
Before we can design your treatment plan, we will need to perform a thorough examination, which may involve taking X-rays or other images. We may also evaluate your bite and the positioning of your teeth. Please describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible so we can rule out other potential causes of your discomfort. Based on the information we gather during your appointment, we will be able to recommend your next steps. We are proud to offer two types of TMJ treatment:
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom oral appliance that is designed to prevent teeth grinding and clenching at night, which is a major contributor to many cases of TMD. The splint can also slightly reposition your lower jaw, which can help your TMJs and the surrounding muscles to relax.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
Bite problems are a common cause of TMD. If you have a crown, filling, or another restoration that is interfering with the way your upper and lower teeth come together, we may need to slightly adjust it. In some cases, we also have to make minor modifications to natural tooth enamel.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
How Long Does Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment Take for TMJ?
The length of the treatment depends on what changes need to be made to the teeth in order to reduce the pressure that your jaw joints are exposed to. Some patients may only need a single appointment for their occlusal adjustment, but others might require two or even three. Note that you can normally expect each individual visit to be relatively short.
Once the occlusal adjustment process is complete, the question becomes just how long you will have to wait for relief. The answer can vary, but you will often see an improvement very soon once you have achieved a more properly aligned bite.
How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Splint to Work?
When you start wearing an occlusal splint, it generally won’t be long before your symptoms start diminishing. That being said, achieving full relief can take some time. Generally speaking, there should be a notable improvement after about six weeks of wearing the splint, and it can take as long as three to six months to fully overcome your discomfort.
Note that every patient is different. Some individuals may find relief relatively quickly while others might have to wear their splints for longer than normal in order to achieve the results that they want.
Is TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance?
This may seem like a simple question, but it can be more complex than you realize. Some insurance companies will not provide coverage for TMJ treatments unless they are specifically required to by the state. On the other hand, there are companies that do offer such coverage but will only pay for specific types of treatments.
It should also be noted that TMJ treatment is unique in that it can potentially be covered by medical insurance or dental insurance. The cause of the condition and the treatment used to address it can go a long way toward determining which type of insurance you’ll need to use.
Since every plan is different, you should reach out to your insurance provider in order to clarify what coverage is available for procedures related to TMJ disorder. It’s important to have a firm grasp of your benefits before you pursue treatment of any kind.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
Yes, as long as you have chosen a trustworthy expert to carry out the procedure, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about when it comes to occlusal splints, occlusal adjustments, and other forms of TMJ treatment.
It should be noted that surgery can sometimes be a viable option for treating TMJ disorder. However, surgery of any kind carries an inherent level of risk. As such, it’s always better to try more conservative methods first and treat surgery as a last resort.