7810 FM 1960 E, ST #105,
Humble, TX 77346

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TMJ & TMD Treatment In Humble Texas | Call (281) 852-2288

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TMJ Treatment in Humble, Texas

People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth. One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close and facilitates chewing and speaking. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas

(281) 852-2288

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

If you experience ongoing pain in the area near your ear, your jaw or the muscles on the side of your face, possibly accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or restricted jaw movement, you may be suffering from TMD — an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Disorder. Sometimes people incorrectly use the term TMJ to refer to these problems, when in fact TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint — or jaw joint — itself. So, while you definitely have a TMJ (two of them in fact), you may or may not have TMD. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas

What is TMD?

TMD describes a group of conditions characterized by pain and dysfunction of the TMJ and/or the muscles surrounding it. It’s not always so easy to figure out exactly what’s causing these symptoms, but the good news is that most TMD cases resolve themselves with the help of conservative remedies that you can try at home. In fact, it’s important to exhaust all such reversible remedies before moving on to anything irreversible, such as bridgework or surgery.

The two TMJs that connect your lower jaw, the mandible, to the temporal bone of the skull on either side, are actually very complex joints that allow movement in three dimensions. The lower jaw and temporal bone fit together as a ball and socket, with a cushioning disk in between. Large pairs of muscles in the cheeks and temples move the lower jaw. Any of these parts — the disk, the muscles or the joint itself — can become the source of a TMD problem. If you are in pain, or are having difficulty opening or closing your jaw, a thorough examination can help pinpoint the problem area; then an appropriate remedy can be recommended. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas

Causes of TMD

As with any other joint, the TMJ can be subject to orthopedic problems including inflammation, sore muscles, strained tendons and ligaments, and disk problems. Genes, gender (women appear to be more prone to it), and age are often factors in TMD. Physical and psychological stress can also be a factor. In some cases, jaw pain may be related to a more widespread, pain-inducing medical condition such as fibromyalgia (“fibro” – connective tissues; “myo” – muscle; “algia” – pain).

Minor cases of TMD involve discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles. More serious conditions involve improperly aligned joints or dislocated jaws. The most extreme form of TMD involves an arthritic condition of the jaw joint. Traumatic injuries also can cause jaw dislocation. In major cases, jaw surgery can correct the condition. Some jaw surgery occurs arthroscopically. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas

Dental Fillings

Symptoms of TMD

People with TMD often have a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing their mouths. Such disorders are often accompanied by frequent headaches, neck aches, and in some cases, tooth sensitivity. Other signs and symptoms of TMD include:

  • Clicking Sounds — Some people with TMD hear a clicking, popping or grating sound coming from the TMJ when opening or closing the mouth. This is usually caused by a shifting of the disk inside the joint. Someone standing next to you might even be able to hear it. Clicking by itself is actually not a significant symptom because one-third of all people have jaw joints that click, studies show. However, if the clicking is accompanied by pain or limited jaw function — the jaw getting “stuck” in an open or closed position, for example — this would indicate TMD. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas
  • Muscle Pain — This can be felt in the cheeks (masseter muscles) and temples (temporalis muscles) because this is where the two big pairs of jaw-closing muscles are. If you feel soreness and stiffness when waking it’s likely due to clenching or grinding. If you have this type of nocturnal habit, we create a custom night guard to decrease the force to your teeth. This allows your muscles to relax which relieves pressure on your jaw joints. Other self-care remedies are discussed below (please see Relieving the Pain).
  • Joint Pain — Pain that’s actually coming from one or both jaw joints technically would be described as arthritis (“arth” – joint; “itis” – inflammation) of the TMJ. Radiographs (X-ray pictures) show that some people have arthritic-looking TMJs but no symptoms of pain or dysfunction; others have significant symptoms of pain and dysfunction but their joints look normal on radiographs. There is no cure for arthritis anywhere in the body, but medication can sometimes help relieve arthritic symptoms.

Our Comfortable Amenities

TV

TV

Enjoy your favorite show on the flat-screen TV in your treatment room.

Children's Play Area

Children's Play Area

Your little ones can relax with games, toys, and activities!

Beverage Bar

Beverage Bar

Have a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of water.

Blankets and Pillows

Blankets and Pillows

Cozy up with a warm blanket or comfortable pillow on request.

Treatments for TMD

After examination, we complete a strategy for treating your condition and managing your pain. This may include a temporary change to softer foods, using ice and moist heat to relieve soreness. Gentle stretches can help muscles in spasm. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications also provide relief. Additionally, muscle relaxants, aspirin, biofeedback, or sleeping with a small plastic appliance helps. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas

Severe TMD cases may require more complex forms of treatment. This may include orthodontics, dental restorations, and bridgework. It may also include minor procedures inside the joint such as cortisone injections or lavage (flushing) of the joint. It’s rare for major surgery ever to be necessary in a case of TMD. We implore a wide range of conservative, reversible treatments, giving them ample time to work to test effectiveness. The first step is an examination at the dental office. To learn more about available treatment options, view this Chart on TMD Therapy. TMJ & TMD Treatment Humble Tx, Texas, Jaw And Bite Alignment Services Humble Tx, Texas

TMJ Treatment in Humble, Texas

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