Treating TMJ Disruptions

Your TMJ is the medical abbreviation for your jaw joint. It is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This joint serves the critical role of allowing you to open and close your mouth, when means speaking, laughing, chewing and yawning are all reliant on your TMJ. Unfortunately, the jaw joint can also get overworked, strained, damaged or inflamed. This can not only lead to pain and uncomfortable symptoms in the area around your jaw, but it can also limit the function of your mouth.

Such acute or chronic inflammation of the TMJ is called TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder and its resulting dysfunctional balance can cause significant pain and impairment on a daily basis. Common warning signs that your TMJ needs attention include:

• Jaw clicking or popping
• Jaw pain
• Jaw soreness
• Lockjaw
• Facial pain
• Ear pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Tension headaches
• Worn down teeth (due to clenching/grinding)

We understand the pain and suffering quality of life caused by your TMJ.  Dr. Tejal Kakade is an experienced TMJ dentist that is ahead of the curve when it comes to treating patients disruptive jaw pain or headaches triggered by TMJ.

Our Carrollton clinic is proud to offer multiple treatment options for TMJ disorder depending on your unique case. Most commonly we provide Botox injections and/or occlusal splint therapy to relieve TMJ stress and inflammation and restore this joint to a comfortable function. Botox therapy works to relax the muscles that may be straining or overworking the TMJ, such as when you are subconsciously clenching your teeth during the day or night. Occlusal splint therapy is designed for patients whose TMJ dysfunction is rooted in night time oral habits. By positioning the jaw and teeth in a more comfortable position while you sleep, patients can let their TMJ heal and find lasting relief during the day.

Headache Relief from Your Dentist

Did you know that nearly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic recurring headaches? Patients that have headaches due to their TMJ disorder are often the most desperate for a solution. If you have failed to find relief through prescription drugs or diet/lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider your TMJ as the culprit. This is especially true when patients are grinding or clenching their teeth unknowingly when they sleep. Drug-free headache prevention using oral appliance therapy could be the be simple and effective solution you’ve been looking for.

Having jaw symptoms? Call Dr. Tejal Kakade in Carrollton today to book your TMJ consult.