Do you experience frequent jaw, face, dental or neck pain? Does it feel like you have stiffness in the jaw? If so, you could be a candidate for TMJ treatment. Corbet Locke DDS in Waco, TX provides patient with this service and encourages all to understand the many and profound benefits of TMJ treatment.
What Is TMJ?
Of course, as your chosen dentist in Waco, we put a premium on patient education. Because of that, we want you to understand what TMJ actually is and then you can better understand the benefits of TMJ treatment.
TMJ is an acronym that stands for the temporomandibular joint. This is the largest and most powerful joint in the head. It is what attaches the lower jaw to the skull, and while it is strong, it is also very flexible. It can move in almost any direction, and yet, if it suddenly begins to malfunction, it can cause TMJ, or TMD. TMD means temporomandibular disorder, but both acronyms mean the same – a problem with the jaw.
There are some incredibly unpleasant symptoms with TMJ, including:
- Popping and clicking when you use the joint (such as eating, yawning or opening your mouth)
- Pain in the joints
- Ongoing headache
- Pain whenever you chew or use the jaw
- Periodic and temporary locking of the jaw
- Persistent ringing in the ears
Obviously, one of the key benefits of TMJ treatment is that it can bring such issues to an end. However, it also prevents any further damage to the teeth and jaw. After all, experts know that TMJ/TMD is related to grinding teeth. This can damage and misaligned teeth, causing further pain and damage.
TMJ treatment will usually involve the creation of custom oral appliances that hold the upper and lower jaws in the optimal position while cushioning the teeth. This eliminates stress and reduces pain while protecting the teeth from harm.
Clearly, bringing pain and damage to an end is one of the many benefits of TMJ treatment. Treatment also allows you to sleep better, and end most of the symptoms related to grinding and clenching, and even cease to experience symptoms at all.
Suffering from Jaw Pain? Seek TMJ Treatment from Our Waco Dentist
Do you have TMJ or think you do? Are you ready to get it treated? If so, give us a call at our Waco, TX office at 254-776-4888. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.