TMJ Treatment Tulsa, OK
What Is TMJ Disorder and Why Does It Hurt?
TMJ disorder refers to an array of problems stemming from the temporomandibular joint. Most people call these problems “TMJ,” saying, “I’ve got TMJ.” Everyone has TMJ, in that we all have two temporomandibular joints. The TMJs are the sliding hinges on both sides of your head that connect your jaw to your skull. You can feel them slightly in front of your ears. You likely have a TMJ disorder when that area hurts or if it hurts when you’re opening and closing your mouth to speak or eat.
TMJ bones are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the hinge moving smoothly. Many people suffer pain when the bones, cartilage, or the shock-absorbing disk become inflamed, irritated, damaged, or out of place.
Contact our team today to schedule a personalized consultation if you’re considering TMJ treatment in Tulsa. Our dental office has advanced materials and precise techniques to provide top-notch service.
The many and diverse symptoms of TMJ disorder can include any of the following:
Chronic headaches;
Locking of the jaw, or inability to open or move the jaw;
Tender jaw;
Chronic earaches;
Difficulty chewing;
Grinding or clenching of teeth, especially during sleep.
Facial pain;
Popping or clicking jaw sounds;
Neck, shoulder or back pain;
Our Treatment Options at Perfect Smile Tulsa
First, share your symptoms with our dentist. Dr. Davis will likely already recognize if you are a clencher or grinder based on the appearance and condition of your teeth. There are also some simple solutions to start with:
Snore guards are devices you can wear at night to help quiet your snoring and can also stop you from grinding or clenching. These devices look kind of like athletic mouth guards or retainers worn after someone has had braces. Some come with a metal adjuster and some are made of soft silicone that holds your jaw in a forward position. Your specific needs will determine the type you should use.
If you’re a clencher, Botox is a fantastic and easy fix. A small amount of the product is injected into the TMJ muscle and within a few days, the muscles begin to relax and will be happy. Many of our patients swear by this technique for TMJ pain and headaches.
Schedule your TMJ treatment consultation in Tulsa
Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort from teeth grinding, our caring team is here to help. TMJ treatment is designed to relieve your symptoms and restore comfort to your daily life. Simply fill out the contact form to schedule your consultation, and a friendly team member will assist you in booking your visit with one of our experienced dentists.