TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment
Targeted therapies for temporomandibular joint disorders including splints, bite adjustments, and pain management.Relief from Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jawbone to your skull and are responsible for every bite, chew, and word you speak. When these joints or the muscles around them become inflamed, strained, or misaligned, the result can be chronic pain, headaches, and difficulty with everyday activities. At New Image Advanced Dental in Trinidad, CO, Dr. Amy Wilson diagnoses and treats TMJ disorders with a conservative, patient-centered approach.
If you have been living with jaw pain, clicking, popping, or persistent headaches, you do not have to accept it as normal. A thorough evaluation can identify the source of your symptoms and point the way to effective treatment.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders (also called TMD) can develop from a variety of causes, including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, bite misalignment, arthritis, and stress. The symptoms can range from mild occasional discomfort to severe chronic pain that affects your quality of life.
Diagnosis
Dr. Wilson begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical exam of your jaw joints and muscles, an assessment of your bite alignment, and digital imaging when needed. Understanding the root cause of your TMJ symptoms is essential to choosing the most effective treatment.
Treatment Options
Most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative, non-surgical treatments. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Wilson may recommend:
- Custom bite splints or night guards to prevent clenching and grinding
- Bite adjustments to relieve uneven pressure on the jaw joints
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles
- Stress management and lifestyle modifications
- Orthodontic treatment to correct underlying alignment issues
Do not let jaw pain control your daily life. Call 719-846-7387 or request an appointment online to schedule a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Wilson. We serve patients from Trinidad, Walsenburg, Raton, and across Southern Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
Common symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, headaches, earaches, and pain that radiates to the neck or shoulders.
TMJ disorders can result from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), bite misalignment, arthritis in the jaw joint, stress, or trauma to the jaw. In many cases, the exact cause involves a combination of factors.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options include custom bite splints or night guards, bite adjustments, physical therapy exercises, stress management techniques, and in some cases, orthodontic treatment to correct underlying alignment issues.
Mild TMJ symptoms may improve with rest and home care, but chronic or recurring pain typically requires professional evaluation and treatment. Without treatment, TMJ disorders can worsen over time and lead to more serious jaw joint damage.
Get Relief from Jaw Pain
A thorough evaluation is the first step toward lasting relief. Request your TMJ consultation today.