TMJ and TMD Treatment in Dallas

What is TMJ disorder?

Are you feeling tightness, soreness, or discomfort in your face, head, or neck? Do you experience clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth? If so, it’s time to stop living with TMJ pain and start taking control of your wellness. At Lakewood Dental Studio in Dallas, TX, Dr. Leisa Robothamfocuses on providing comprehensive TMJ and TMD treatments tailored to each individual’s needs and understands how disruptive temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be.

Did You Know…

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, and TMD is an acronym for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. While TMJ refers to the joint itself, TMD concerns the dysfunction of this joint.

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What To Expect At Your Preventive Dental Care Appointment

Professional Cleaning

To start things off, we’ll perform a complete cleaning of your teeth and gums, using special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that may have built up along the gumline. Essential aspects of your cleaning will include thorough flossing between your teeth in all those hard-to-reach places, and scraping off plaque that has accumulated along the gum line. To finish the cleaning process, we’ll polish your teeth, leaving you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to smile.

Any Necessary X-Rays

If you’re new to the office or haven’t had dental x-rays in a while, your dentist may recommend that you take some during your preventive care appointment. Dental x-rays let us see what’s going on beneath the surface of your smile, giving us the ability to find issues that may not be visible otherwise. With x-rays, we’re able to make more accurate diagnoses and create more effective and efficient treatment plans.

Comprehensive Exam

Your dentist will review your x-rays and then take a thorough look at your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. If we spot any issues, we’ll take the time to educate you on our findings, so you can keep your dental health on the right track. We make it our goal to keep you educated about your oral wellbeing, so you can make the right decisions for your smile.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Using the information we’ve gathered with your exam and x-rays, we’ll work together with you to craft a treatment plan customized for your unique oral health needs, budget, and lifestyle. If everything looks good, we’ll simply schedule your next routine cleaning and checkup.

Schedule Follow Up Appointment

Our team is here for you! No matter what kind of treatment you schedule, our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have about insurance, financing, or anything else. We’ll do everything possible to make sure your every visit is straightforward and stress-free.

Classic TMJ Symptoms

JAW AND EAR PAIN

The TMJ is strategically placed behind a significant nerve in the face that powers an intricate web of nerves throughout the head and neck. As such, when this joint encounters dysfunction, it can produce symptoms across many areas, radiating discomfort and tension throughout the face, head, and body.

LOSS OF MOBILITY

From conversation to chewing food, the TMJ joint plays a significant role in navigating everyday life. Movement can become impaired if it becomes misaligned due to inflammation or stretched ligaments around the joint itself. This leads to jaw muscles in lock-down mode!

During your exam, your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and mouth, looking for abnormalities like lesions, lumps, and discolorations. If we discover any oral cancer symptoms, we’ll take a biopsy and send it to a specialist for a comprehensive analysis. Although oral cancer is relatively rare, it’s vital to be diligent about your oral hygiene routine and to regularly visit our office for cleanings and checkups so we can identify any potential problems before they become significant issues.

CLICKING SOUND

If you hear an odd clicking sound or feel a grating sensation when moving your jaw, it could be a warning sign of TMJ disorder. However, if no discomfort is present and there's full mobility in the joint, chances are treatment isn't necessary! Still, it’s best practice to meet with a dentist offering TMJ treatment to ensure your oral health is intact.

Did You Know…

TMD is the second most common musculoskeletal pain.

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Have Questions About TMJ Disorder or TMJ Treatment? Find Answers Here.

Is TMJ Disorder A Serious Problem?
While mild cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction may subside over time, chronic TMJ disorder is significantly more severe and has potential long-term consequences. Chronic TMD can cause lasting damage to the tendons, muscles, and cartilage. In extreme situations, it could lead to nerve problems or permanent dislocation.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat TMJ Symptoms?
Although TMJ disorder may not be life-threatening, it can take a hefty toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Chronic pain can lead to psychological issues like anxiety and depression, so addressing this painful condition is essential before irreparable damage is done.