Advanced TMJ and Jaw Joint Care You Can Trust
At Dental Solutions of Little Rock, you can feel confident that we’ll make every effort to provide for your needs. We focus on superior quality dentistry, which starts with our customer service and extends to every procedure and material used at our clinic. If you have issues with your jaw, you may require special care. Our team is skilled in providing solutions for people who have problems with their temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint.
The Powerful Temporomandibular Joint
You can find your jaw joint just below your ears on either side of your face. These joints are incredibly strong and can exert a strong pressure. Though your teeth should only touch when you’re eating, many people grind or clench their teeth. If you’re one of those people, you likely have experienced some of the following problems:
- Headaches
- Clicking and popping in the jaw
- Facial pain
- Ear pain
- Pain when chewing
- Locking of the jaw joint
What is TMD?
TMD is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. These disorders can develop from grinding or clenching your teeth, sleep disorders, trauma, neck pain, bite problems, and stress to name a few.
Splint Therapy
If you think that you may have TMJ-related problems or TMD, you want a solution that relieves your discomfort. You might have headaches that plague you all day or know that you can’t eat certain foods due to your jaw dysfunction. These issues can sometimes be improved by wearing what is called a splint nightguard at night time.
A splint looks similar to a mouthguard that is worn for sports. It’s snug-fitting, comfortable and allows you to breathe normally. Each splint is custom-created to the individual by our local laboratory.
TMJ/TMD Treatments We Offer
Physical Therapy / Massage Therapy
Some of out patients can benefit from working with a physical therapist and/or massage therapist. This in conjunction with other therapies such as splint therapy, can improve and sustain results.
We work with professionals who have extra training in the head and neck areas to help loosen muscles which helps with many of the symptoms exhibited by our TMD patients.
Oral Medications
Medications sometimes will be prescribed to jump-start therapy. Anti-inflammatories steroids, or muscle relaxants may be used.
After evaluation and discussion, your doctor will determine if this should be part of your individual regimen.
Lidocaine / Botox
As a last resort, Lidocaine or Botox can be an option to help with the acute or chronic pain from TMD. Lidocaine (anesthetic) or Botox is injected directly into the muscles causing the pain.
This is usually after other methods have failed. Your doctor will discuss with you if this is an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ/TMD and what causes it?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) refers to problems with this joint or nearby muscles. It can be caused by teeth grinding or clenching, trauma, injury, or stress that tightens the facial and neck muscles and can affect how the jaw moves.
What are common symptoms of TMJ/TMD?
Symptoms often include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping in the jaw, headaches, ear pain, difficulty chewing, and episodes where the jaw locks or feels stuck.
How is TMJ/TMD diagnosed at Dental Solutions of Little Rock?
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination, including assessing jaw movement, muscle tension, and bite alignment to determine if TMJ/TMD is the source of your symptoms.
What treatment options are available for TMJ/TMD?
One common treatment is a custom-made splint or oral appliance worn at night to relax the jaw and reduce clenching or grinding, helping relieve pain and improve function. Other treatments include stretching and exercises, physical therapy or massage therapy, and medications as well as lidocaine or Botox injections.
Will TMJ/TMD treatment completely relieve my pain?
It is dependent on the cause but many patients experience significant relief from symptoms like jaw pain and headaches with conservative treatments such as splint therapy. More involved treatments are available but early diagnosis and personalized care improve outcomes.
Is TMJ/TMD treatment painful?
Most conservative approaches — like splints — are non-invasive and comfortable. Your dentist will discuss your options and what to expect during treatment. Our goal is to improve our patient's pain and discomfort.
How long does TMJ/TMD treatment take?
Treatment length varies by individual. Some people notice improvement within a week of wearing their custom splint, while others may need longer ongoing care depending on the severity of symptoms.