The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, serves as a critical hinge connecting your lower jaw to the skull. This joint’s seamless operation is essential for daily activities like speaking, chewing and yawning. However, when complications arise – often referred to as TMJ disorders (TMD) – the effects can disrupt your quality of life, causing discomfort and a range of other symptoms. TMD may stem from various causes, including stress, habitual teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis in the TMJ or direct trauma to the jaw, head or neck.
Symptoms of TMD are not to be overlooked, as they can significantly impact your daily wellbeing. You might be suffering from TMD if you notice issues such as:
- Persistent pain in your jaw or face
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds in your jaw when moving it
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide,
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Pain while chewing
- Discomfort in the neck, shoulders or around the ears
- Frequent headaches
Fortunately, there are several options for treatment TMJ disorders, and our skilled dentists will work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment options vary widely, including noninvasive techniques like jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle adjustments to mitigate stress, the use of mouth guards or night guards and BOTOX® injections. In more severe cases, a surgical treatment may be recommended. Our dentists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the extent and severity of your TMJ disorder and which types of treatment may be most beneficial for you.
We invite you to contact us today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Randall Hestir, Dr. J. Doug Allen, Dr. John (Holt) Hestir or Dr. Catriona Oltmann and learn more about TMJ treatment in DeWitt and Stuttgart, Arkansas. We are committed to helping you improve your oral health and quality of life.