TMJ Treatments in Houston, TX

Many people give minor discomforts like jaw pain and headache a pass, thinking they’ll go away soon enough. However, when they don’t, they might be signs of a TMJ disorder, a condition that can negatively affect your daily life in many ways. If you are experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to visit one of our dentists at Lava Dental. We offer TMJ treatments in Houston, TX.

Expert Care for Jaw Pain Relief

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects the lower jaw to the skull. Like many other joints on the body, the TMJ can experience pain, discomfort, swelling, and a limited range of movement that can interfere with quality of life. When this occurs, it’s known as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We offer a range of helpful treatments and remedies for all TMJ-related problems.

Why Do You Need TMJ Treatment?

The TMJ is essential for eating, chewing, and simply opening and closing your mouth to speak. When the joint becomes inflamed or painful, you may find it gets in the way of living your best life. Some problems to look for concerning the TMJ include:

• Clicking, popping, or grinding of the jawbone
• Inability to open your mouth fully without pain or discomfort
• Inflammation and tenderness
• Earaches that are otherwise unexplained
• Difficulty chewing and biting into your favorite foods
• Locking of the jaw

Are You a Good Candidate for TMJ Treatments?

When you come into our office, we will thoroughly examine the TMJ area. We will not only listen for any unusual sounds when you open and close your mouth, but also monitor and check for the range of motion. If we find that you have problems with your TMJ, we will sit with you to discuss your options. Each patient is different in what will work best for them, and we are happy to provide you with the care you need.

What Happens During TMJ Treatment?

In some cases, TMJ problems resolve on their own and are simply temporary. If the pain, discomfort, and swelling persist, we often recommend physical therapy, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and hot/cold therapy to help ease your suffering. In more extreme cases, surgery is required to help improve the jaw’s motion and prevent swelling.

The most common procedure is temporomandibular arthrocentesis, which means the fluid is removed from the joint before realigning the bone. Surgery-free options are always sought after first before considering more invasive procedures.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

It is best not to take TMJ disorder lightly. Instead, you should have it treated as soon as possible before it worsens and requires surgery. Lava Dental can help you with TMJ treatments in Houston, TX.