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TMJ Treatment Rogers, AR

TMJ TherapyAn Overview

TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, is the common term used to describe a chronic pain condition often associated with a misalignment or malfunction in the jaw joint. While there is no one cause or treatment for TMJ good diagnostics and analysis of the bite can allow for more precise treatment options and lasting results that address underlying oral health-related issues.

Patients with TMJ often suffer from painful symptoms for many years due to misdiagnosis of their condition. Dr. Heather Adams has advanced post-graduate training from the SPEAR academy on the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ-related disorders. Personalized consultations allow Dr. Adams to gain a better understanding of the underlying functional issues affecting the health of the jaw.

What Causes TMJ?

TMJ can be caused by a number of factors, many of which cause muscle tension in the jaw which leads to associated symptoms. Patients with TMJ often also have some degree of malocclusion of the bite, crooked teeth, or other orthodontic issues. Additionally, an injury or trauma to the jaw can damage the TMJ and cause chronic pain symptoms.

Bruxism or habitual teeth grinding is another common cause of damage to the jaw joint and muscles. Patients who clench their jaw or grind their teeth often experience the painful symptoms of TMJ.

Do I Have TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the base of the skull. The joint is surrounded by many delicate muscles, tendons, and sensitive nerve endings. When the jaw is not properly aligned it can cause the added tension resulting in pain in the face, neck, and jaw.

Common symptoms of TMJ include:

  • Popping or clicking of the jaw
  • Pain in the jaw, face, or neck
  • Reoccurring headaches
  • Earaches or sensation of fullness in ears
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Numbness in the face or hands
  • Excessively worn, chipped, or cracked teeth

TMJ therapy is a restorative dentistry procedure that Dr. Heather Adams provides in Rogers, AK office.

TMJ Therapy What to Expect

The underlying cause of your jaw pain will determine the type of treatment you receive. Dr. Adams will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan that will correct functional issues and restore damage caused to the teeth and gums due to prolonged malfunction of the jaw.

Dr. Adams offers traditional and innovative solutions for addressing TMJ. From oral sleep appliance therapy to Botox® therapeutic, Dr. Adams can help you find relief from discomfort and improve oral health.

For some patients, a single treatment option will correct underlying issues while others may use a combination of therapies to fully restore their smile.

Treatment Options for TMJ

  • Clear Braces Invisible aligners are used to realign the teeth and address malocclusion to realign the bite, relieving tension from the jaw.
  • Oral Sleep Appliance Therapy- A custom oral sleep appliance can help prevent teeth grinding during sleep allowing the jaw muscles to relax and heal throughout the night.
  • Botox Botox can be injected deep into the jaw muscles for the temporary relief of painful symptoms associated with TMJ.
  • Restorative Dentistry- Dental crowns, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers may be used to repair damage caused to the teeth.

TMJ Therapy FAQs

Why does my jaw and face always hurt?

Jaw and orofacial pain are commonly caused by a misalignment or misuse of the jaw joint. Temporomandibular disorders, called TMJ, can be caused by malocclusion of the bite, crooked teeth, or teeth grinding.

How can I stop grinding my teeth?

Many patients who grind their teeth do so in their sleep. For these patients, an oral sleep appliance can prevent the jaw from grinding together while they are sleeping.

For other patients clenching or grinding of the jaw is related to stress. This habit may be subconscious and exacerbated during times of high stress. Patients may benefit from changes in lifestyle, therapy, and regular exercise.

Could my my headaches be caused by TMJ?

Yes. Chronic headaches, especially when they occur first thing in the morning, are often a symptom of TMJ or bruxism.

Dr. Adams will perform a thorough bite and jaw analysis to help determine the functional cause of your chronic headaches. Dr. Adams offers oral sleep appliance therapy as well as Botox for the relief of headaches.

Dr. Heather Adams

Why choose Heather Adams Dentistry?

Dr. Heather Adams believes in the practice of relationship dentistry which is based on communication and the education of our patients on all aspects of oral health. From experienced general dentistry to advanced treatment options for addressing the function and aesthetics of your smile, our team is dedicated to meeting your needs in a personalized manner.

Dr. Adams welcomes patients and families in the Northwest, AR area to our state-of-the-art dental practice. Achieve the smile you have always wanted and enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health and wellness.