What Is TMJ Therapy?

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the spot where your jaw connects to your skull, enabling you to open your jaw smoothly. Sometimes the TMJ is damaged or injured, causing a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). If you are having pain or hearing clicking noises whenever you open your jaw, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cassandra Montemayor to see if you have TMD. At Savannah Smiles Dental, we utilize advanced equipment to diagnose and treat your TMD to alleviate symptoms. Your TMJ therapy will be based on the cause of your TMD and your specific condition. Call our Schertz, TX office today to learn about treatment options for TMJ.

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What Are the Benefits of TMJ Therapy?

At Savannah Smiles Dental, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment features multiple advantages that allow Schertz, TX individuals to achieve enhanced wellness. These benefits include:

  • Reducing severe pain and soreness associated with TMJ issues
  • Improving jaw function and movement
  • Relieving neck pain, headaches, facial pain, and earaches
  • Decreasing the noise of jaw snapping or cracking
  • Generating better sleep
  • Minimizing the threat of additional dental issues
  • Decreasing stress and apprehension levels connected to persistent pain
  • Increasing a patient’s overall well-being

Am I a Candidate for TMJ Therapy?

TMD can be caused by various factors, including a jaw injury, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), or misalignment of the teeth (dental malocclusion). Certain medical conditions, like arthritis or tumors in the TMJ, may also lead to TMD. In some cases, the cause of TMD is unclear, but if you’re experiencing symptoms, Dr. Montemayor can diagnose and provide treatment. Common signs of TMD include jaw tenderness or pain, muscle spasms in the face, a stiff or locked jaw, and frequent headaches near the ears. You might also notice clicking, cracking, or popping sounds when opening your jaw.

How Does TMJ Therapy Work?

To help diagnose TMD, Dr. Montemayor will carefully listen to your concerns before conducting a physical exam. Throughout the examination, she will evaluate how your jaw moves and search for indications of teeth grinding, clenching, and misalignment. She will also feel the jaw and lower face for any tenderness and inflammation. Dr. Montemayor might want to have digital images of your lower face along with a bite analysis to look for underlying causes to help determine your treatment approach. Based on the exam, she will go over your customized treatment choices for TMJ therapy, which may include a mouth guard, orthodontics, or restorative dentistry.