The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in everyday functions like chewing and speaking. Unfortunately, problems with the TMJ can cause pain and discomfort. These symptoms are commonly referred to as TMJ disorders.
Dr. Andres Martinez is a highly qualified board-certified specialist in TMJ and Orofacial Pain. He uses a patient-centered approach to provide care that improves patients’ quality of life.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth, eat, and speak. Problems with this hinge-like joint can cause pain, limited jaw movement, and other symptoms that may affect multiple systems of the body.
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors, including poor posture, stress, or chewing foods that are difficult to digest. It can also be caused by a jaw injury or a change in how your teeth fit together (malocclusion). It is important to note that many patients with tmj dentist san felipe st houston dysfunction also have other conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or bruxism (clenching or grinding of the teeth).
Our team of West Orange TMJ specialists are trained in neuromuscular dentistry and will use conservative, reversible treatments that do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw, or joint. We understand that a diagnosis of TMJ can be distressing, especially when other treatments have not worked.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment involves relieving your symptoms and addressing the cause of your pain. Your doctor may take full-face X-rays and/or an MRI to check the position of your jaw joint and the condition of your teeth and surrounding tissues. They may also use a TMJ arthroscopy to get a direct look at the problem area.
The most common TMJ treatments are noninvasive, such as NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. These medications can reduce inflammation and relieve swelling. They can also help you stop clenching or grinding your teeth, which is called bruxism.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or a soft mouthguard to keep your teeth apart and in a comfortable position. They might also advise you to avoid gum chewing, nail biting, and hard foods that can put pressure on your jaw. If these conservative treatments don’t help, your doctor might suggest surgery to remove diseased tissue or repair the damaged joints. They can also perform an arthrocentesis to wash out the joint.
TMJ Sedation
TMJ symptoms often present as a clicking or popping sensation in the jaw. The condition can also lead to stiffness and pain, and may cause a locking of the jaw. TMJ sedation can ease the discomfort and allow patients to receive dental care that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Sedation for tmj dentist san felipe st Houston can be provided with nitrous oxide, or with an oral medication such as Halcion. The sedative can put you into a light sleep, but it will not induce a deep slumber like general anesthesia. Your dentist will choose the right prescription based on your medical history and will collaborate with your primary care physician if you have an allergy to certain medications.
TMJ pain and stiffness can be triggered by stress, poor posture, or teeth grinding (bruxism). A holistic approach to TMJ treatment includes breathing exercises, a mouthguard for sleeping, dietary changes, and collaborating with other specialists. TMJ surgery is only considered when less invasive treatments are unsuccessful.
TMJ Surgery
If the jaw area is causing you discomfort, the team at West University Dentistry can help. They can provide a number of solutions to alleviate pain, including dental restorations and repositioning of the bite. The first step to getting relief is visiting the office for a diagnosis. The team will examine the jaw area, take X-rays, and review the patient’s history to come up with an accurate assessment.
A neuromuscular approach is often effective in helping patients overcome their TMJ symptoms. This technique involves the use of electromyography (EMG) to evaluate muscle function, which helps in determining your optimal jaw posture.
Depending on the severity of your tmj dentist san felipe st houston, you may benefit from an open procedure such as arthroscopy. During this process, the doctor uses a needle to push liquid into the joint, which removes scar-like tissue and improves mouth opening. This can also be combined with a discectomy, which removes the diseased disc from the joint and is more effective at improving pain and restoring function.
