TMJ Treatment – Fort Worth, TX

Let Us Help Alleviate Your Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ for short) is responsible for allowing you to move your jaw so that you can speak and chew. However, if there’s a problem with the TMJ, it could lead to serious jaw pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, the emergency dentist at Karen Neil Fort Worth Dentistry is here to help you achieve the lasting relief you deserve. Reach out to our office today if you think you might need TMJ treatment in Fort Worth.

Close up of man in need of TMJ treatment in Fort Worth rubbing jaw in pain

Why Choose Karen Neil Fort Worth Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?

  • Fully Personalized, Comfortable Occlusal Splints
  • Caring Dentist with Decades of Experience
  • Friendly Dental Team That Cares About Your Comfort

What is TMJ Disorder?

Woman in purple shirt rubbing jaw in pain

TMJ disorder occurs when the jaw joints are injured or overworked. The condition can have a number of causes, such as constant grinding and clenching of the teeth, a sudden blow to the jaw, or a misaligned bite. Regardless of the source of the problem, an unaddressed TMJ disorder can result in serious discomfort, and it could get worse if you don’t have it treated by a professional.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Man sitting up in bed rubbing jaw in pain

Chronic or recurring pain in the jaw is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder. However, there are other warning signs that are worth keeping an eye out for, such as:

  • Limited jaw movement.
  • Pain in your neck or back.
  • A clicking or popping sound that occurs when you move your jaw.

As soon as you notice any potential symptoms of TMJ disorder, your first step should be to give our office a call. The sooner you see us for an appointment, the sooner we can diagnose and treat the problem.

Types of TMJ Treatment

Woman leaning back in dental chair smiling

There’s more than one way to address TMJ disorder. Before we can make any recommendations, we’ll need to perform a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw (which will likely include X-rays or other types of scans). Once we have a full understanding of your situation, we may suggest one of the following treatment options.

Occlusal Splint

An occlusal splint is a type of oral appliance that, when worn, can move your lower jaw slightly forward to help it find a more comfortable position. It also acts as a barrier between your upper and lower arches of teeth so that they don’t grind directly against each other. This can ultimately reduce the pressure on your TMJs so that they can rest and recover.

Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment

Sometimes an uneven bite can put excessive strain on your TMJs. To resolve this issue, we can perform a procedure known as equilibration. By removing small amounts of enamel from certain teeth, we can help the upper and lower arches come together properly, resulting in a more balanced bite that won’t expose your jaw joints to more pressure than necessary.