TMJ Treatment Kerrville
Find Freedom from Jaw Pain
Do you frequently struggle with jaw pain, sore facial muscles, and related symptoms? If so, you might have TMJ disorder (TMD). The good news is that this condition is very manageable! In fact, Dr. Butler and our Kerrville team offer effective, minimally invasive TMJ treatment that has the potential to provide lasting results. Continue reading below to learn more about this advanced service, or contact us directly to request your consultation.
Why Choose Carroll R. Butler, DDS, for TMJ Treatment?
- Effective & Minimally Invasive Care
- Dentist with Decades of Experience
- Friendly & Attentive Team
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Everyone has two temporomandibular joints (TMJs). They are located just in front of your ears, and they control movements of your lower jaw. When they become stressed or inflamed, it can lead to the variety of symptoms that characterize TMJ disorder (TMD).
TMD can have a variety of causes, such as injuries, teeth grinding, arthritis, stress, and more. Anyone can develop it, and it can lead to persistent problems if it is not addressed in a timely manner.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The human body is full of complex interconnections, so TMD can cause dozens of symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs of this condition:
- Jaw pain
- Limited jaw mobility
- Sore facial muscles
- Difficulty chewing
- Popping and clicking in the jaw joint
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Pain behind the eyes
- Pain in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Types of TMJ Treatment
There are a number of ways to address TMJ disorder, and no solution is perfect for every patient. When you visit us, Dr. Butler will perform a thorough examination in order to determine why you are experiencing symptoms. Then, we can advise you on your next steps. For example, we may suggest some home care strategies, such as dietary modifications and gentle stretches. We may also recommend one of the following professional treatments:
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a small, custom device that looks like a mouthguard. It prevents teeth grinding (a common cause of TMD) and helps to reposition the lower jaw in a way that allows the surrounding muscles to relax. With consistent use, an occlusal splint often provides lasting relief from TMD.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
If your upper and lower teeth are not working together harmoniously, you might need some small adjustments to your bite. Dr. Butler may slightly modify the chewing surfaces of your teeth or your existing dental restorations in order to improve your occlusion (bite). This can take the strain off your TMJs and minimize your symptoms.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ be cured permanently?
While in some cases, the pain related to temporomandibular joint disorders can go away on its own with time, if you’re experiencing tension or discomfort that won’t improve and is negatively affecting your health and wellbeing, it is important to seek treatment for your TMJ disorder.
Dr. Butler is proud to offer several TMJ treatments in Kerrville that permanently alleviate pain, including equilibration, occlusal adjustments, and occlusal splints. Each of these options were developed to permanently correct painful TMJ disorder symptoms including bite misalignment and jaw tension.
Is TMJ treatment safe?
Yes, the treatments offered by Dr. Butler are completely safe and minimally invasive options for stopping the painful symptoms of TMJ disorders. In fact, the National Institutes of Health recommend being as conservative as possible when providing TMJ treatment in Kerrville.
Dr. Butler is proud to utilize treatments like equilibration, occlusal adjustments, and occlusal splints, each of which has been proven safe for decades, and can provide lasting relief from TMJ disorder pain.
How long does it take for a TMJ splint to work?
Known as occlusal splints, this TMJ treatment in Kerrville must be worn to bed each night to achieve maximum results.
Most patients report some immediate initial relief when beginning treatment with an occlusal splint, but plan on your total treatment time taking about three to six months to complete. This allows your jaw and temporomandibular joints to gradually adjust to their new placements and your previous symptoms to stop.
How long does occlusal adjustment take for TMJ?
This depends on a variety of factors, including the condition of your temporomandibular joint and how many of your teeth and restorations need adjustment. Occlusal adjustments are TMJ treatments in Kerrville designed to redistribute the biteforce, so that any imbalance cannot ‘throw off’ the position of the jaw and put strain on the temporomandibular joint.
In most cases, these modifications can be made over the course of several dental appointments, however they are usually quite brief, so you can quickly get back to enjoying the rest of your day with reduced pain!
