What Is TMJ / TMD ?

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also commonly referred to as TMJ, occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

Usually, the protective disc (cartilage) is displaced forward and no longer serves as a cushion between the condyle (lower jaw) and the bony socket (skull) and eventually this can lead to the condyle rubbing against the bony socket causing a problem called osteoarthritis. Severe displacement can be very painful and eventually can cause permanent damage to the joint. An unstable bite can cause both jaw joint displacement and muscle strain and pain.

The Symptoms

People with TMJ can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. TMJ is experienced typically by more women then men , most commonly between the ages of 20 to 40.

Common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
• Jaws that becomes immobilized in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
  
• A tired feeling in the face accompanied by possible facial muscle fatigue
  
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite - as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
• Swelling on the side of the face

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How We Can Help... Our Team of Credentialed Neuromuscular Specialist Are Here To Help

Dentiq's Neuromuscular Dentistry Center in Houston is nationally recognized as a top TMD / TMJ specialist center in the United States with a team of dental specialists that have met and maintain the highest professional credentialing standards, offering world-class dental and neuromuscular solutions that give you the luxury of piece of mind.

Diagnostic Phase

Upon the initial consultation our team of credentialed neuromuscular specialist will further assess your current situation and build a plan of action to address your specific needs.

Further testing is designed to properly diagnose the problem and to try to reduce the signs and symptoms . To determine if the lower jaw and the disc of the TM joints are in the correct position, the following diagnostic tests are used:

• Range of Motion
  

• Muscle Palpation
  

• TMJ 3D Scan

• Computerized Joint Vibration Analysis

Treatment

The necessary treatment for your TMJ depends upon the specific diagnosis.For cases caused by clenching and grinding, treatment may consist of medication for the pain and inflammation, moist heat, massage, and a softer, less chewy diet. He or she may also recommend stress reduction, biofeedback, or relaxation therapy.

Sometimes a splint or nightguard may be made for you to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. These appliances are worn either during hours of rest or for more severe cases as much as possible. Therapeutic splints, which gradually move your jaw to a more comfortable position, may also be recommended. If it is determined that your bite is off and that is contributing to your problem, it may recommend restoring damaged teeth, grinding tooth surfaces, replacing missing teeth, or fitting braces and other appliances.

For the most complex cases surgery may be necessary when all other treatments have been unsuccessful. This is more common in cases of traumatic injury (a blow to the jaw, an accident) or osteoarthritis. The surgery may be needed to repair damaged tissue. Surgery may also attempt to replace or recapture the tissue which cushions your jaw as it connects to your skull. In a few cases, the condyle or jaw bone that fits into your cranium or skull might need to be repaired or built up.

Curious to know more? Then by all means, have a browse around or call us at 713.526.2904 to "make a date."

How Much Does It Cost To Treat ?

Due to the  complexity of treatment options it is impossible to assign a numeric value to healing your disorder.  Our Neuromuscular Center offer a wide variety of diagnostic test, with just as many options in treatment.  Our specialist will first assess your current situation and after further investigation will develop a comprehensive treatment strategy to pursue correcting your TMJ disorder.

For the simplest of cases, a mouthguard starts at $200, to the most complex, with surgery costing around $50,000, there is a wide range.  These of course are the two extremes with most of our guest falling somewhere in between these two numbers. Payment options or financing is available. Additionally, coverage through a dental and/or medical insurance plan may cover TMJ treatment in the same manner that traditional treatments are covered. What are you waiting for? Make a date for your complimentary consultation.

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