Are you suffering from headaches that are caused by TMJ Disorder? Plano dentist Dr. Wilhite has helped hundred of patients who suffer from TMJ Disorder, migraine headaches, and tooth grinding.
TMJ can cause major pain and discomfort. Treating TMJ disorder can free you from pain and help you live your life again. If you live in the Plano, Texas area, dentist Dr. Wilhite can help you with treatment.
Contact us online or call (972) 964-3774
TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint or TMJ acts as a sliding hinge on each side of the jaw that connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ disorder causes pain in the jaw muscles and joints that control the movements of the jaw.
It’s usually difficult to discern the exact cause of temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ pain can be because of a combination of factors, such as jaw injury, arthritis, or genetics. People with jaw pain are prone to clenching or grinding (bruxism). With that said, many people with teeth-grinding habits never develop temporomandibular disorders.
Neck and facial pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorder is usually temporary and can be easily relieved through nonsurgical treatments and self-managed care. Oral and maxillofacial surgery should only be considered as a last resort once conservative measures have failed, even though it does have a number of benefits.
Do you suffer from migraine headaches as a result of grinding or clenching your teeth? If so, you likely suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
TMJ Disorder is different between patients. Some experience continuous pain, others have pain that comes and goes. Some experience a locking, stiff jaw or experience a pop when they open and close their mouth. Others primarily deal with migraines and body pain. This pain can be felt in your jaw, neck, back, and/or head.
Luckily, there are several forms of non-surgical treatment that Dr. Wilhite uses to remedy TMJ Disorder pain.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
Dr. Wilhite has helped hundreds of patients who suffer from TMJ Disorder, migraine headaches, and tooth grinding. Solutions may include NTI mouth guard or botox injections.
Most treatment begins with the most conservative, least invasive procedures. One primary solution to TMJ pain lies within a special night guard device. We use the only FDA approved dental device that fights TMJ-caused migraine headaches without surgery.
For TMJ treatment information call (972) 964-3774
Benefits of Using a TMJ Mouth Guard
Control Pain by Relaxing Muscles
Jaw clenching is a common problem affecting people with temporomandibular disorder. The TMJ disc is subject to tension with repeated grinding and clenching. Dental guards can reduce chronic pain caused by TMJ disorders. This orthodontic treatment is custom-made to fit your mouth. It ensures a light and comfortable fit in the mouth while significantly reducing stress on jaw muscles and joints.
Prevent Headaches
Chronic headaches after sleeping are an indicator that you are grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping. This can cause muscle spasms and fatigue causing severe pain. Generally, jaw pain, neck pain, and earaches accompany headaches. A custom-made mouthguard can help with a stress-free night’s rest and relieve pain.
Healthier Sleep Patterns
Grinding and clenching teeth can cause several problems, including soreness. A mouthguard can relieve soreness and other symptoms of TMJ, which can help you sleep better at night. Custom-made mouth guards fit perfectly in your mouth and help with reducing stress. They relax jaw muscles and allow for anxiety-free sleep patterns. You may no longer have to depend on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other pain medications to obtain relief from TMJ symptoms.
Botox for TMJ
For those who cannot control their daytime clenching, Botox often produces good results by reducing the intensity of muscle contractions.
When Botox is injected into the facial muscles related to soreness and discomfort, Botox can relieve jaw tension caused by TMJ. Botox injections can often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding for many people. For some patients, Botox can also minimize lock jaw.
Injected in specific areas a patient will find that the injections are not uncomfortable and the result is the relief they have been seeking. Botox is an ongoing treatment. It is not a one-time application.
Relaxation of Jaw Muscles with Botox
There has been significant dental and craniofacial research surrounding TMJ treatment. A 2012 study found that Botox injectable treatment increased mouth movements and decreased pain within 3 months of the treatment. Pertaining to this, participants were not able to regain extreme jaw movements.
More than 90% of symptoms improved following Botox as explained in another study. TMJ researchers are conducting other ongoing studies to demonstrate the benefits of Botox for jaw muscle relaxation. Botox is generally considered a complementary TMJ treatment to other treatment options. Stemming from this, it’s possible that you may not need other treatments if muscle relaxants like Botox work for your condition.
TMJ Night Guards
Another non-surgical TMJ treatment option is a TMJ night guard custom-made to your specifications.
A night guard is a plastic mouth piece that you fit over your teeth to wear while you sleep. This a proven method of treatment for people who grind their teeth. It is a simple non-surgical treatment that can prevent painful symptoms such as headaches caused by TMJ.
If you are a good candidate for a TMJ night guard, Dr Wilhite will make an impression of your teeth so a perfect fitting night guard can be made that will help prevent teeth grinding during nighttime hours.
Benefits of a Night Guard for TMJ
Pain relief is the largest benefit of wearing a TMJ night guard. It prevents contact between the upper and lower jaw joint which reduces the risk of acute pain. Grinding can wear down teeth enamel over a period of time.
Night guards prevent the risk of clenching in tender facial muscles. These are specifically molded to align your jaw and relieve TMJ symptoms. They don’t place any stress on the muscles or bone ensuring a better night’s sleep.
Professionally Molded Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Guards
You may be tempted to use an OTC night guard to reduce overall costs. However, these can do more harm than good. Most designs are poorly made and won’t relax tense muscles. It might only end up costing more by way of repeat purchases. Your jaw may rest in an unnatural and uncomfortable way, which can cause further oral complications.
Professionally crafted custom night guards are equipped to prevent muscle disorders and relieve temporomandibular joint pain. They fit perfectly and are not bulky or awkward in the mouth. The ones made by Dr. Wilhite can easily last for up to 10 years or more in many cases. Custom TMJ night guards can help in reducing tooth sensitivity, fighting enamel loss, and improving specific TMJ symptoms. Consult with your dedicated local dentist for TMJ, Dr. Wilhite in Plano, TX, today for a reliable solution.
TMJ Causes
Our TMJ joint is the movable point that interacts with the other parts of your jaw. Ordinarily, it will have smooth movement and flexibility, but if the movement becomes hindered, it can cause pain and TMJ disorder.
Causes of TMJ disorder may include arthritis, joint moving out of alignment, a blow to the jaw or head, injuries to teeth, joint erosion, misaligned teeth, teeth grinding, teeth clenching, connective tissue diseases, frequent and long term gum chewing, as well as stress.
TMJ Disorder is very common and affects more than 3 million people in the United States each year and is treatable by a professional. It is self-diagnosable but you should visit a dentist or doctor to confirm. It is often a medium-term problem that can be resolved within a few months. Common treatments include mouth/bite guards, medications, injections, and physical therapy.
Common TMJ Dysfunction Symptoms
These are a few common TMJ symptoms:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Pain in shoulders and neck
- Earache
- Not being able to open your mouth wide
- Locking jaw
- Grating, clicking, or popping sound in the jaw joints when you open or close your mouth
- Tiredness on the side of your face
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty chewing
- Swelling
- Pain in upper and lower teeth
Contact us today to set up your appointment.
We can discuss your goals and options for TMJ disorder treatment in our Plano, TX office.
