TMJ Treatment Houston, TX

About TMJ Disorders

The dental implant procedure takes place over several months:

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a complex group of disorders that is characterized by headaches, facial pain, popping or clicking in the jaw, tooth wear, teeth grinding and other symptoms. Patients often refer to this pain as TMJ pain, TMJ disorder or simply TMJ.

TMJ disorders are often the result of an imbalance in the occlusal system, or bite, and can lead to complex dental problems that will compromise the results of any dentistry performed.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw and is responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. When the jaw joints or teeth do not fit together properly, it can create stress and instability in the occlusal system. There is no single cause of TMJ dysfunction. One or more factors could be to blame including trauma to the head or face, failed orthodontic treatment, inflammation or disease, missing teeth, stress or other environmental factors.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder include:

• Migraine headaches or other types of headaches
• Pain around ears
• Pain in jaw, tooth, face, neck or shoulders
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Locked jaw or inability to open mouth (with or without pain) in the normal range of motion
• Teeth grinding
• Ringing in the ears, or a sensation of fullness (like when flying in an airplane)
• Sinus pressure and lack of draining

TMJ Treatment Options

There are many techniques and philosophies for treating TMJ dysfunction. Our goal is not to simply provide temporary relief, but a long lasting solution. Dr. Mehta takes a comprehensive and consultative approach, determining the best treatment for the individual. Our goal is to treat TMJ dysfunction by gently repositioning the head, neck, jaw and teeth so that the entire system is in proper alignment and well-balanced.

During a dental appointment, Dr. Mehta will perform a thorough evaluation to look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, Dr. Mehta will determine the source of instability. Finally, he will create a customized treatment plan to bring the teeth and bite into proper alignment.

TMJ Mouth Guard

One of the treatments that Dr. Mehta uses is oral appliance therapy with a device known as a TMJ mouthguard. The TMJ mouth guard is a removable oral appliance that is especially useful for patients who grind their teeth. The TMJ mouthguard is worn at night and protects the teeth from teeth grinding and clenching which can lead to tooth wear and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Bite Correction Procedures

Most patients who visit our Houston dental office for TMJ related problems will likely need some form of bite correction. Dr. Mehta may perform one or several procedures to adjust the fit and alignment of teeth. In some cases, this may mean building up teeth or removing excess tooth structure. Some of the treatments may include dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or invisible braces to achieve the ideal alignment and position.