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TMJ Treatment Cedar Park, TX

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorders, occur when patients subconsciously clench and grind their teeth. These disorders put pressure on the two joints that connect the jaw to the skull. It can also be referred to as TMJ, and patients who struggle with this disorder often live with jaw pain and soreness, daily headaches, and difficulty chewing tough foods or completely opening their mouths.

If any of these symptoms ring true for you, our team would love to help with TMJ treatment in our Cedar Park, TX office. TMJ treatment can restore comfort and health to the teeth and jaw. Our office also provides restorative dentistry treatments to the public in Cedar Park, Texas.

TMJ Treatment in Cedar Park, Texas

Causes and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMD can have many causes. One common cause of TMJ disorders is jaw injury. If you’ve been in an accident or experienced trauma to your face, it can damage the joints or muscles around the jaw, leading to TMJ problems.

Teeth grinding and clenching (also known as bruxism) are another major cause. Grinding or clenching your teeth puts extra pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, which overwork and inflame over time. 

Arthritis can also lead to TMJ disorders. Just like other joints in your body, the jaw joints can be affected by arthritis, which causes the cartilage to wear down and leads to pain and stiffness.

Sometimes, stress plays a role. When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously tighten your jaw or clench your teeth, which can trigger or worsen TMJ symptoms.

Misalignment of the teeth or jaw can also cause TMJ issues. If your bite is off, it can put uneven pressure on the joints, leading to pain and discomfort.

You may have TMJ if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular or semi-regular basis:

  • Jaw Pain or Stiffness
  • Face, Neck, or Ear Pain
  • Clicking or Popping Jaw
  • Frequent Headaches
  • Difficulty Chewing or Opening the Mouth

Can TMJ Go Away on Its Own?

The common symptoms of a TMD may only occur during heightened stress or anxiety. In other cases, it may be a chronic condition affecting the patient’s daily life. Whether you experience TMJ symptoms occasionally or regularly, seeking diagnosis and treatment is a good idea.

Regularly clenching and grinding your teeth can have serious consequences. The teeth can become chipped or cracked, your gums may start receding, and the jawbone or the temporomandibular joint itself may become damaged. In serious cases, surgery can even be required.

TMJ Treatment in Cedar Park, TX

There are a few treatment options for TMJ that are relatively simple and non-invasive. For example, practicing jaw exercises can help relax the muscles and relieve built-up tension. Taking muscle relaxers and reducing stress as much as possible can also help. Our office creates special custom nightguards that can make a significant difference for patients with a TMD.

After we take dental impressions, we can design a durable custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and prevent excess pressure from being placed on your temporomandibular joints every night from teeth grinding.

Schedule a Dental Consultation

To learn more about TMD or schedule a consultation, please contact us! You can also call Vista Ridge Family Dentistry at 512-866-9654.