TMJ Disorder Treatment in Houston, TX

Have you been looking for a Houston dentist who specializes in TMJ disorder but can’t seem to find the right information? You’ve come to the right place! Read through our page to learn everything you need to know about TMJ disorder treatment.

Do you often wake up with a sore jaw? Do you have difficulty or discomfort when chewing? You may suffer from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders may experience a host of symptoms, including the lack of ability to move their jaw. The earliest symptoms of TMJ may appear in the jaw joints themselves, but symptoms may spread to other parts of the face and nearby areas as the condition worsens. Patients suffering from TMJ disorders can visit our Houston TMJ treatment expert for diagnosis and proper care.

Temporomandibular joint disorders may arise for a variety of reasons and affect many aspects of life by making mouth movements painful. With timely treatment, patients can restore their quality of life and prevent long-term complications of this painful and often misunderstood disorder.

Symptoms Of TMJ disorders

TMJ disorders can cause different symptoms for different patients, but many TMJ sufferers experience pain and clicking and grinding feelings when they open or close the jaw. Pain may worsen when patients speak or chew, making normal activities difficult. Discomfort most often occurs where the jaw connects to the skull, but patients may also have pain in the ear or on the face. Without treatment from our expert in TMJ treatment in Houston, patients may experience a long-term worsening of symptoms.

What causes TMJ?

TMJ disorders can arise from inside or outside joints. In a majority of cases, the condition develops after repeated jaw joint strain associated with teeth grinding. However, such strain can also arise from uneven force placed on the jaw joints by orthodontic problems or excessive intake of hard or chewy foods. In other cases, systemic arthritis includes the jaw joints in the areas it affects.

Treatments for TMJ disorders

We may recommend different TMJ disorder treatments at our Houston dental office, depending on the stage of your condition. Early on, using oral appliances to restore normal jaw positioning, eliminate jaw strain, and prevent damage from teeth grinding may be recommended. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce swelling and promote healing. Muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or sedatives may be used to reduce teeth grinding. Surgery can be used to resolve persistent cases if requested by the patient. Left untreated, TMJ can reduce your quality of life and even affect your overall health by limiting dietary choices and social interaction.

Make an appointment today!

If you suffer from jaw discomfort due to TMJ, contact our dentists in Houston to find out more about this condition and receive an exam to find out about options for treatment. Call us at 713-691-8880 to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a condition that affects the joints connecting your jawbone to your skull. It can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your jaw when speaking, chewing, or yawning.

2. What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Common symptoms include:

Jaw pain or soreness (especially in the morning)
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth wide
Pain around the ears, temples, or face
Headaches or neck pain

3. What causes TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorders can result from several factors, such as:

Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Jaw misalignment or bite issues
Arthritis in the jaw joint
Excessive chewing of hard or sticky foods
Jaw injuries or stress

4. Can TMJ go away on its own?

In some mild cases, TMJ discomfort may improve on its own within days or weeks if jaw strain is reduced. However, chronic or severe TMJ often requires professional treatment to prevent long-term pain or complications.

5. How is TMJ disorder diagnosed at Antoine Dental Center?

Our TMJ experts in Houston perform a thorough examination, which may include checking jaw movement, listening for clicking or grinding, and taking X-rays or scans to evaluate the joint structure and function.

6. What treatments are available for TMJ disorder?

Treatment options may include:

Oral appliances or night guards to prevent teeth grinding
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
Muscle relaxants or sedatives for jaw relaxation
Physical therapy or jaw exercises
Surgical intervention for severe cases

7. Are oral appliances effective for TMJ?

Yes. Custom-made oral appliances (like night guards) help reposition the jaw, relieve pressure on the joints, and prevent teeth grinding during sleep, significantly reducing TMJ symptoms.

8. What happens if TMJ is left untreated?

If left untreated, TMJ disorder can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, difficulty eating, jaw locking, and even changes in facial alignment or dental health.

9. How can I relieve TMJ pain at home?

You can ease TMJ pain by:

Eating soft foods
Avoiding gum and chewy foods
Applying warm compresses
Practicing relaxation or stretching exercises
Avoiding wide jaw movements (like yawning widely)

10. How can I schedule a TMJ consultation in Houston?

To schedule an appointment for TMJ disorder evaluation or treatment, contact Antoine Dental Center at (713) 691-8880. Our experienced dentists will help diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Can TMJ go away on its own?

Discomfort from TMJ disorder will go away on its own. The best way to get rid of the discomfort is to change the way you chew. The symptoms can last for several days or even a few weeks. If the injury is serious, the discomfort will last for several months or even years.

Check What Antoine Dental Center Can Do for You!

Have a missing or decaying tooth? It’s time to replace it. Schedule an appointment at the Antoine Dental Center to learn about your single-tooth replacement options. You can reach our Houston, TX office at (713) 691-8880. We’re proud to serve patients in Aldine, Independent Heights, Northside Village, and Eastex/ Jensen neighborhoods.

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