TMD / TMJ Treatment – Fort Worth, TX
Stop Chronic Facial Pain & Headaches
The ability of your body to move is largely based on the health of your joints, and one joint that’s extremely important but rarely gets a lot of thought is the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint. This is the small set of hinges that enables your lower jaw to move fluidly in all directions. Like other joints in the body, it can sometimes develop dysfunction and pain, and at Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center, we are dedicated to helping patients overcome these kinds of problems.
A TMJ disorder, or TMD, can easily cause a wide array of issues throughout the head, neck, and beyond, many of which seemingly have no connection to the jaw. That’s why many of our patients often come to see us after multiple doctors haven’t been able to help them. By getting to the root of the issue, Dr. Conditt is able to provide the answers and treatments patients need to get back to their normal lives free from chronic pain.
What is TMD/TMJ?
The TMJ is the joint itself, and when it develops any type of issue, this is called a TMJ disorder, or TMD. This can be due to a wide variety of reasons, but the most common tend to be strain, injury to the joint, nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism), or a misaligned bite. All of these can lead to the joint becoming dysfunctional or experiencing more pressure than it’s designed to handle, which can lead to tension, pain, and eventually a breakdown of the joint altogether.
Signs & Symptoms
The most common signs of a TMD are:
- Pain and stiffness in the jaw
- Pain and tension in the face
- Teeth grinding
- A jaw that pops and clicks all of the time
- Jaw becoming “stuck” while opening or closing
- Chronic headaches/migraines
- Frequent earaches
- Soreness in the neck and shoulders
- Back pain
Because your body is one interconnected system, tension in the jaw muscles can easily radiate to the head and neck and further down the spine. TMD is actually one of the most common causes of persistent headaches and migraines, but most doctors miss this because they are unaware of how they can be associated with problems in the jaw.
Headaches & Migraines Ear & Neck Pain Face & Jaw Pain
Diagnosing TMD
The main key to addressing TMD is to figure out what is causing the pain in the first place. Is the joint misaligned? Strained? Has it suffered an injury? Getting to the root of the issue can help Dr. Conditt determine which treatment would be best. He can accomplish this by testing the mobility of the jaw and taking X-rays of the joint so he can examine the interlocking bones, muscles, and ligaments directly.
Treating TMD
Fortunately, TMD can often be effectively treated using conservative and easily reversible methods. For minor cases, a patient may simply need to apply heat or cold to their face temporarily or take a few moments each day to stretch their jaw muscles. Or, if someone requires more involved care, Dr. Conditt can provide custom-made splints that are specially-designed to rebalance the bite and relieve pain long-term.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Disorder be permanently cured?
Dr. Conditt and our Fort Worth team want to help you find lasting relief from TMJ disorder (TMD)! That is why we offer therapies that seek to address the root cause of the problem, rather than simply masking symptoms. If you consistently adhere to your treatment recommendations, there is a chance that your pain and discomfort will permanently go away.
Of course, we cannot make any guarantees. Even with successful treatment, TMD may flare up again in the future. This might happen if your jaw joints develop arthritis, you get injured, or your teeth shift out of their proper places. It could even happen in response to an extremely stressful time in your life or an untreated sleep breathing disorder. If your symptoms return, let us know so we can provide appropriate guidance and care.
Is TMJ treatment safe?
Yes, TMJ treatment is generally very safe. We favor conservative, minimally invasive treatment options that work with your body instead of against it. Usually, a special orthotic device can be made to wore at night. While some treatments might come with minor side effects, these tend to be both mild and temporary.
In particularly severe or complex TMD cases, surgery might be necessary. Invasive procedures naturally carry more risk than conservative options, but very often, their benefits outweigh any potential downsides.
How long does TMJ treatment Take?
Some patients notice a reduction in their symptoms within a few days of wearing an orthotic splint. However, full results could take several weeks or even a few months. Other treatment options can vary in the length of time they take to provide symptom relief. For example, orthodontic treatment can take several months. In the meantime, you may use stretches, exercises, a soft diet, and other measures to minimize your discomfort.
What are the advantages of visiting a neuromuscular dentist for TMJ treatment?
Neuromuscular dentistry takes a holistic approach to TMJ treatment. It views the teeth, jaws, airway, and surrounding muscles as an interconnected system that should be treated as a whole. This helps to promote harmonious function of all the oral structures and can lead to lasting symptom relief.
Dr. Conditt has completed extensive training in neuromuscular dentistry and even served as an instructor at the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. As such, he is one of the most highly qualified neuromuscular dentists in our area.
Can TMJ disorder be treated without surgery?
Yes! In fact, surgery is viewed as a last resort when it comes to treating TMD. Most cases respond very well to conservative measures.
If our team believes that your case merits surgical intervention, we can help you arrange to see a trustworthy local specialist.