So here in the practice, we address the jaw issues directly. I’ve spent a lot of time studying these areas, and we have several options for the patients that we see. If they’re grinding their teeth, if they have jaw pain, we’ll a lot of times do a night guard of some type. The difference in our practice is there’s several different types and different ways to treat the patient. That’s just one tool, and so we customize our treatment so that the patient can have some success. I would say that’s the difference that we are able to achieve here.
Find the Personalized Help You Need to Feel Better
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) sit on either side of your jaw and make it possible for you to open and close your mouth. However, these complex joints can become inflamed and irritated, causing you a great deal of pain when talking, eating, and laughing.
Dr. Johnson will work with you one-on-one to determine the cause behind your TMJ pain so that he can recommend the appropriate treatment. Your exact treatment will depend on both the cause and the severity of your TMJ disorder, or TMD. It could include:
- Relaxation Methods and Lifestyle Changes – In many cases, at-home treatments will work for relieving your TMJ pain. We may show you how to do certain jaw and facial relaxation exercises or incorporate lifestyle changes into your daily routine.
- Restorative Dentistry – Other types of treatment may involve dental restorations, such as a dental crown or bridge that will realign your bite and take the stress off your jaw.
- Mouthguard or Night Guard – We can also make you a mouthguard or night guard if needed. A custom-fit mouthguard or night guard will move your lower jaw slightly forward to relieve the pressure on your TMJ. Your jaw will feel better, and you’ll experience fewer TMJ-related headaches. In addition, the appliance will help stop teeth grinding that can damage your tooth enamel.
- Jaw Surgery – For some patients, surgery may be required to alleviate TMJ symptoms. If your TMD is severe, we may need to refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Call our team at 979-279-8839 today to schedule a consultation. You can also request an appointment online. When you need jaw pain relief, we’re your first answer for TMJ treatment in Bryan.
