TMJ Treatment Manor, TX

Are you constantly struggling with nagging jaw pain or hearing an annoying clicking sound each time you chew? If so, it's time to take it seriously! Jaw pain and clicking might seem like minor inconveniences, but they could be red flags pointing toward a much bigger issue. You could be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, studies suggest that 5-12% of people are grappling with TMJ problems at any moment.

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, can be an incredibly painful and all-consuming condition for those who suffer from it. However, the good news is that non-surgical TMJ Austin offers TMJ treatment options specifically designed to get you back on track! Our TMJ specialist, Dr. Ashely Smitterman, located near Manor, TX, provides TMJ patients with comprehensive and personalized treatment plans so that each individual can find relief from their jaw pain and discomfort. Our TMJ dentist near Manor will identify the underlying cause of your TMJ condition in order to address it more effectively.

What is TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a disorder that affects the jaw, causing severe pain in the jaw joint located right in front of your ears. Common signs and symptoms of TMJ include:

Jaw clicking or popping sounds
Chewing pain
Random tooth chips or cracks.
Locking of the jaw. Jaw lock

Migraines and headache
Earaches (pain under the ears).
Dizziness.
Teeth clenching and grinding.

Toothaches. Bruxism
Tenderness in the jaw.
Facial pain.
Neck and shoulder pain.

How are TMD and TMJ different?

TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably, however, TMJ refers to the "temporomandibular joint," which is the joint that connects your mouth (mandible) to your head and regulates mobility. When you move your jaw when speaking or chewing, or when you position your fingers in front of and just behind your ears, you may feel these joints moving. TMD Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and its surrounding muscles.

What causes TMD?

TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably, however, TMJ refers to the "temporomandibular joint," which is the joint that connects your mouth (mandible) to your head and regulates mobility. When you move your jaw when speaking or chewing, or when you position your fingers in front of and just behind your ears, you may feel these joints moving. TMD Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and its surrounding muscles.

Although the actual cause of TMJ is usually unknown, it usually presents in people who:

Have injured the neck and head muscles, or the jawbone joint
Grinding or clenching their teeth
Feel a disc's or soft cushion's movement between the joint's ball and socket.
Arthritis
Tense their jaw when stressed

If you are experiencing any of these TMJ symptoms, it’s best to take action immediately. Our TMJ doctor at Nonsurgical TMJ Austin TX offers comprehensive services to provide unparalleled care and accuracy when diagnosing this condition. Our experienced staff provides accurate TMJ diagnosis with a tailored TMJ treatment plan based on your needs. Dr. Smitherman will be able to assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan for long-term relief. This may include:

Oral appliance therapy - custom-made mouth guard or splint
Medication
Undergoing lifestyle changes
Help with practicing stress management techniques

Contact our office to book an appointment to speak to our jaw specialist near Manor about what treatment option would be right for you.

Why choose nonsurgical treatment options

We understand that TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain can significantly impact your quality of life. That is why we recommend our nonsurgical treatment options for those looking for TMJ relief. Our TMJ dentist, Dr. Smitterman, offers several nonsurgical options to reduce TMJ discomfort. Before exploring any surgical TMJ treatments, consider the potential relief from nonsurgical treatments. These treatments can help:

Restore normal jaw movements,
Improve jaw movement

Posture habits to prevent TMJ flare-ups in the future,

Provide long-term relief

You can avoid surgery as it carries the risk of complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and nerve injury. TMD is a complex disorder with several causes, and surgery may not treat the underlying issue. Conservative treatments such as oral appliance therapy or medication can address the underlying source of TMD symptoms.

We strive to provide the highest quality TMJ treatment for our patients. Our dedicated team focuses on discovering the root cause of TMJ pain rather than simply masking it with medication. Our TMJ dentist near Manor uses sophisticated imaging technology and advanced treatment protocols to help you get relief. Whether you are experiencing chronic TMJ pain or seeking preventive measures, we are here to help bring relief while providing dependable care you can trust.

FAQs!

Oral appliances are a part of TMD therapy. This non-invasive, drug-free procedure aims to reduce TMD stiffness, pain, and discomfort. Similar to a mouthguard, TMJ appliances are worn in the mouth and fit over the upper or lower teeth. The cause and severity of TMD, among other things, determine how long patients must use an appliance. TMJ problems are frequently chronic, which means they don't go away by themselves. In most situations, oral appliance therapy, commonly referred to as "splint therapy," can reduce the uncomfortable TMD symptoms over a few months and thereafter give joint stability.

A lot of people tend to delay getting medical treatment for as long as they can because they don't want to spend the time or money on trying to get their condition under control, or they downplay their issues. Although delaying treatment will save you time and money, it won't spare you from the suffering and consequences of doing so. You run the risk of developing more severe symptoms and other health issues if TMJ is not treated. These may include:

Chronic jaw pain - This is among the first symptoms you'll experience if you don't get treatment for TMJ.
Recurrent headaches and migraines - The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull, which is why TMJ issues can cause headaches. Your skull, your neck, and your back are all surrounded by muscles that run along the joint. Headaches can result from joint inflammation because it might impact the surrounding muscles.
Injury to joints and inflammation - Imagine a broken bone in the jaw joint. The break will worsen if you don't put it in a cast and wait for it to heal naturally. Your jaw joint is similarly affected. Your condition will deteriorate if you don't give it time to rest and recover.
Tinnitus - Imagine having a car alarm go off continuously throughout the day. This is what it's like to have tinnitus all the time. Your tinnitus will only get worse if you don't get TMJ therapy.

The TMJ appliance or splint therapy process is not scary. Once the device is designed, fitted, and adjusted by our jaw specialist near Manor, splint therapy can be painless and simple to adhere to. Modern digital imaging, impression, and examination techniques will be used in a full evaluation. You will see our TMJ specialist on a regular basis for check-up visits once you have been equipped with a personalized TMJ appliance. Your development will be evaluated, and if necessary, therapeutic adjustments will be made to make sure TMD pain is reduced. TMD treatment is highly interactive and hands-on with our qualified TMJ specialist near Manor, TX.

GET TMJ RELIEF TODAY!

This one-time appointment is the first step to determining the root cause of your TMJ and alleviating your pain and discomfort.

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