TMJ Treatment – McKinney, TX
Find Long-Lasting Jaw Pain Relief
Do you struggle with persistent jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, and other symptoms? You might have TMJ disorder (TMD). This is a complex condition that could seriously downgrade your quality of life if you allow it to remain untreated for too long. The good news is that our McKinney emergency dental team offers effective TMJ treatment to help you find long-lasting jaw pain relief. Read this page to learn more about how we may be able to serve you.
Why Chooses Lake Forest Dental of McKinney for TMJ Treatment?
- Long-Lasting Results
- Address the Root Cause of Jaw Pain
- Conservative, Non-Surgical Treatment
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located right in front of your ears; it controls the movements of your lower jaw. When it becomes stressed or injured, it can cause a range of symptoms that may adversely affect your quality of life. This state is known as TMJ disorder (TMD) or TMJ dysfunction.
TMD can have numerous causes, such as bite misalignment, injury, stress, or other factors. Anyone can develop this condition, but it is most common among women who are in their childbearing years.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD can cause dozens of different symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
- Tenderness and pain in the jaw
- Sore facial muscles
- Headaches and migraines
- Earaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- The sensation of lockjaw
- Limited jaw mobility
- Pain behind the eyes
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Back pain and neck pain
- Various musculoskeletal aches and pains
Types of TMJ Treatment
Because TMD can be a complex condition, we will need to perform a thorough evaluation before we make any treatment recommendations. For example, we may take some X-rays or use our CBCT machine to get a highly detailed view of your TMJ and the surrounding tissues. We will also ask you some questions about the exact nature of your symptoms.
Depending on what our exam reveals, we may recommend one of the following types of TMJ treatment:
BioRejuvenation Dentistry
BioRejuvenation dentistry is a multi-faceted approach to dental care that is designed to help all of your oral structures work in harmony. For example, it may involve the use of TMJ physical therapy, restorative care, and treatment from local specialists. Although a complete course of care may take some time, it can provide truly long-lasting results.
Homeoblock Appliance
The Homeoblock appliance is a special orthodontic device that can expand the upper jaw (called the maxilla). It can play a role in helping your upper and lower teeth to work together so that stress on your TMJ is minimized. This remarkable treatment can actually help your bones to reform so they are able to function optimally. It is effective for patients of all ages, including mature adults.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
While the discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can often subside on their own with time, if your symptoms are starting to disrupt your everyday life, it’s important to visit a professional for treatment.
Some TMJ therapy methods offer temporary relief, while others are designed to permanently address jaw tension, misalignment, or other causes of TMD, bringing lasting relief.
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes, in fact, the National Institutes of Health recommends using the most conservative methods possible to treat TMJ disorders. This is because surgery involves making permanent changes to the jaw and nearby anatomy. In many cases, at-home methods like stress relief and Homeblock appliances can help.
Is TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Depending on the severity and cause of your TMJ disorder, TMJ therapy may be covered by dental or medical insurance. That’s because the temporomandibular joint is a joint that is not specifically related to dentistry.
Insurance coverage for TMJ therapy can be complex and can vary from state to state and policy to policy. Some policies may include specific clauses that exclude TMJ treatment, while others may limit the dollar amount that can be spent on it.
Generally, insurance companies don’t include TMJ coverage unless it’s mandated by your state or at the request of your company’s benefits administrator. Thus, it’s best to check with your insurance provider directly about whether your treatment will be covered.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
Although some at-home jaw exercises may provide immediate yet temporary relief, longer term relief may require treatment from a medical professional. However, this timeline will vary based on the cause and severity of the disorder.
Your dentist can outline an estimated treatment length based on your individual circumstances and the type of treatment prescribed.