Frisco TMJ & TMD Treatment

Pain caused by over stressed jaw muscles is often called TMJ or TMD. These refer to the temporomandibular joint. The disorder occurs when additional stress is put on the jaw muscles by clenching or grinding the teeth. TMJ/TMD can also be the result of an injury or misaligned teeth.

Treatment for the disorder depends on the cause. In minor cases, treatment may consist of learning certain exercises to relieve the strain on the jaw muscles. More severe cases will probably call for more extensive treatment. Diagnosing the problem with testing and getting to the root cause will determine the most effective course of action for treatment.

When Frisco dentist Dr. Vashisht discovers the source of your discomfort, she will make recommendations regarding the best way to treat the disorder. Following her suggestions will get you on the road to recovery and pain-free living. Call us today to learn more!

Jaw Pain, Facial Pain Relief!

Relief from the pain of TMJ/TMD may be as simple as exercises, taking pain relief medication or it may include other options such as wearing a nightguard when you sleep. Often, sufferers of TMJ/TMD clench their teeth or grind them while sleeping. This constant pressure causes the jaw joints to become fatigued. When they cannot rest and repair during sleep, the situation only becomes worse over time leading to pain in the jaw, head, neck and shoulders.

Wearing a nightguard will prevent the teeth from coming together, thus relieving the pressure that happens when the teeth are clenched. It also eliminates the problem of teeth grinding. If a nightguard will help your TMJ/TMD, Dr. Vashisht will let you know and explain the process for getting your custom-made nightguard.

If you are experiencing pain in your jaw or hearing clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, contact Parklane Family Dentistry today for an appointment. Dr. Vashisht will examine your mouth and jaw joints to determine if TMJ/TMD is causing your discomfort. She will also make recommendations for the next steps to get pain relief.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?

A big misunderstanding with TMJ disorders, or TMD, is that people think the symptoms will be isolated to just the jaw joint itself. However, TMD symptoms can be far-ranging, involving your teeth, muscles, and joints. Many patients with TMD experience severe or debilitating pain in the jaw joint, but also pain radiating throughout the face, near the ears, or in their neck and shoulders. 

The jaw joint is located right in front of the ear and some patients even develop symptoms of tinnitus, which can make them feel dizzy. You may experience pain or damage to your teeth if your TMJ disorder is caused by teeth grinding. 

A big indicator of TMD is that you hear clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth or it’s difficult to open your mouth wide. In more severe cases, patients can develop lockjaw, where their jaw becomes frozen and they can’t open or close their mouth. 

This can interfere with a patient’s ability to speak, eat, and make facial expressions comfortably. If you experience a sore or tender jaw and a limited range of motion, this is very indicative of a dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint. 

How to Ease TMJ Discomfort

While we offer treatment for TMD at our office with the help of mouthguards, there are also some lifestyle changes you can make to ease your symptoms and improve your condition which can prevent the need for more invasive treatment like surgery. 

TMD is closely associated with teeth grinding, which can be caused by stress and anxiety. If you have noticed that you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, you should try to improve your relaxation and reduce your exposure to stress. 

You may want to explore meditation, yoga, exercise, or speaking to a counselor about mental health struggles. Get lots of quality sleep and avoid being disorganized to help reduce your stress levels.

There are special jaw stretches and exercises that you can perform that are used to help relieve discomfort and improve jaw mobility in patients with TMD. These may involve a combination of relaxing and strengthening movements. 

If you are dealing with significant pain and struggling to perform jaw movements, you should avoid moving your jaw excessively. Avoid yawning, chewing gum, and chewing on hard or crunchy foods. 

Sticking to a soft food diet for a little while will reduce these symptoms. You can also try applying cold compresses or moist heat to the jaw. Anti-inflammatory pain medication can help relieve discomfort.

Will TMJ Pain Subside On Its Own?

Mild TMD symptoms may subside by giving the jaw a rest, eating soft foods, and making slight lifestyle changes. However, if you are dealing with a severe case of TMJ disorder, this is unlikely to go away and may only worsen with time if you do not get treatment. 

This can lead to worsening pain, jaw immobility, difficulty chewing and speaking, and can even contribute to sleeping problems. Overall, leaving TMJ untreated can reduce your quality of life. If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, contact us today for a consultation.