Do you or someone in your family have a constant battle with TMJ pain every day? It’s like a never-ending cycle of discomfort that no person should have to endure. Yet, it seems like doctors don’t exactly always know the right way to diagnose and treat this issue.
Your Woodlands dentist will tell you that no one, at any age, deserves to suffer in pain or to have to continually search for a solution. You found it right here with us.
What is TMJ?
Before we talk about fixing your TMJ, let’s take a quick look at what it is exactly. The long, un-abbreviated name is temporomandibular joint or TMJ. Think of it like a hinge that slides and connects your jawbone to your skull. Reach and feel your face just below your ears. That’s your TMJ. When there’s pain or discomfort in this area, that’s when something called TMD or temporomandibular disorder could be to blame. If you’re experiencing pain in and around your jaw joint or the muscles, it might be TMD.
TMJ doesn’t discriminate. The Mayo Clinic conducted a study and found:
– The prevalence rates of TMJ disorders are higher among younger people
– TMJ disorders are at least twice as prevalent in women as men
– Women using either supplemental estrogen or oral contraceptives are more like to seek TMJ treatment
How Do You Treat TMJ Pain?
We know you love living in The Woodlands and so do we. You don’t want to have to drive all over the Lone Star state looking for someone who can finally provide relief. The Woodlands Dental Group provides non-invasive therapy for TMJ at these outstanding locations:
– Robert G. Dernick DDS
– Mike Freeman DDS
– Alisa M. Reed DDS
– Wade Williams DDS, MS
It’s important that you get the help you need for your TMJ from a doctor you can trust. Our Woodlands dentists understand what it’s like to have this kind of pain in your life. Because the exact cause of someone’s TMJ disorder can be tricky to diagnose, you’ll want to see someone like them who have the expertise and training to really get to the bottom of your discomfort. They have the knowledge and technology to evaluate:
– Your family medical history
– Your current medical problems
– Whether you’re bruxing or grinding your teeth
– How your jaw comes together when you talk, eat, chew, etc.
The good news is this: TMJ pain and discomfort is usually temporary and can be fixed with self-managed care or non-surgical treatment. Our Woodlands dentists believe in non-invasive, conservative treatment without the need for surgery. Whatever the cause for your pain, we have a solution for you. Most commonly, we recommend something such as a TMJ-relief night guard or a bite splint to hold your jaw in a comfortable, stress-free position. It’s time to talk to your Woodlands dentist about a non-invasive treatment option that can help you live life TMJ-free. Schedule an appointment online with us today!
