Help for Jaw and Headache Pain in San Antonio, TX
If you place your fingers underneath both ears and then open your mouth wide, you should be able to feel something pressing against the skin there as you do so. These are the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints, and they’re responsible for attaching your lower jaw to your skull, facilitating crucial actions like eating and speaking. However, this important responsibility means that the smallest dysfunction can throw the entire system off-balance, resulting in severe discomfort. Thankfully, Dr. Joseph Noble can diagnose and treat TMJ problems here in San Antonio, restoring much-needed harmony to your smile and your life. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment!
Do I have TMJ disorder?
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include the following:
- Chronic pain in the jaw, face, shoulders, neck, and other nearby areas
- Regular headaches/migraines
- Discomfort that feels like a constant earache
- Jaw joints that consistently lock and pop
- Any difficulty or pain experienced while chewing
How do you treat TMJ disorder?
Please let Dr. Noble know right away if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. He can closely inspect your jaw joints during a comprehensive checkup and determine whether TMJ disorder might be a possibility. If so, effective treatments are available, including the following:
- Occlusal (restorative) adjustments can help if a misaligned or improper bite is the source of TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Noble may alter certain teeth with dental crowns, fillings, or other procedures in order to alleviate undue pressure and discomfort.
- Occlusal splints/appliances are able to guard teeth from bruxism (teeth grinding), which is a common source of TMJ pain. They can also help your jaw rest in a more proper position and even create long-term improvements for your resting bite and facial muscles.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
TMJ treatment is perfectly safe as long as it is performed by a qualified dental professional such as Dr. Noble. The National Institutes of Health holds that it is usually best to address TMJ disorders with techniques that are as conservative and minimally invasive as possible, so he will be sure to investigate all possible non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. We offer TMJ treatments such as occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments that have been proven safe.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
While you may be able to find some relief from your TMJ pain by practicing jaw exercises at home, it usually takes treatment from a qualified dental professional to achieve long-term relief. The time it takes to treat TMD depends largely on the severity of the case and the techniques used to address it, and Dr. Noble will be sure to explain the timeline associated with any treatment he recommends. Occlusal splints are usually worn nightly for several weeks to a few months, but they can potentially provide lifelong relief. Occlusal adjustments vary significantly in how quickly they can produce results depending on your particular needs, but you may notice significant relief very soon after your teeth and bite have become more well-aligned.
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
When it comes to treating TMD, less is often more, and the National Institutes of Health recommends using the least invasive methods possible to address a misaligned or unbalanced jaw. TMD can usually be treated with more conservative techniques than surgery, which is typically only recommended as a last resort since it involves permanently altering the jaw and the anatomy surrounding it. A few non-surgical ways to address TMD include jaw exercises at home, occlusal adjustments that change the way the teeth meet when the mouth is closed, and occlusal splints that must be worn nightly for a few weeks or months to protect the joints from strain.
Does Occlusal Adjustment for TMJ Hurt?
Dr. Noble will do everything possible to ensure your comfort during the occlusal adjustment process. This technique is usually performed by carefully filing down the biting surfaces of teeth or restorations such as crowns to help the teeth fit together in a more balanced manner. This is done using a small dental drill to shave away a tiny amount of enamel that is enough to provide the patient with relief without harming their dental health. This method may also involve adding to dental structures by applying tooth-colored composite resin to balance the bite. Occlusal adjustments may require the use of a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable, and you may experience some mild and temporary soreness in the treated teeth for a few days afterward.