TMJ Therapy in Dallas, TX

Headaches and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can often be a result of stress, strain, arthritis, injury, or unconscious jaw clenching and grinding of the teeth. We can utilize the NTI tension suppression mouthpiece to alleviate the over stimulation of the nerves that often lead to TMJ pain. With a few weeks or months of consistent use (only while a patient sleeps), we can help restore balance to the bite that leads to complete and long-lasting relief.

Headaches and problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are generally related to issues with the muscles and nerves on one or both sides of the head that result in jaw, face, head, or neck pain. People who experience frequent headaches may exhibit the following:

• Grinding or clenching of the teeth
• Dislocation of the soft cushion between the ball and socket
• Presence of arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress that causes tightening of the jaw muscles

The TMJ is involved with many of the functions of the muscles, ligaments, and bones in and surrounding the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, which is why problems affect people differently. The key to effective TMJ and headache treatment is to accurately diagnose the problem so that treatment can be made.

Some of the more common temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) symptoms include:

• Frequent tension or migraine headaches
• Misaligned teeth
• Facial swelling
• Jaw joints that click or pop
• Jaws that lock into position
• Limited range of motion within the mouth
• Pain in face, jaw, neck, shoulders or around the ears

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain in your jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement, difficulty in chewing, and lockjaw. The therapy for TMJ disorders, also known as TMJ therapy, can offer several benefits. Here are a few:

Pain Relief: This is the most immediate and noticeable benefit of TMJ therapy. The various therapies used can greatly reduce or completely alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with TMJ disorders.

Improved Jaw Function: TMJ therapy can help improve the function of your jaw, making activities like talking, yawning, and eating much easier and less painful.

Reduction of Headaches or Migraines: TMJ disorders can cause headaches and even migraines in some people due to the tension in the jaw. TMJ therapy can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches or migraines.

TMD might be caused by a single injury to the jaw, years of grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw (bruxism), or dental malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). Other conditions that might result in TMD include a tumor in the TMJ or arthritis. In some cases, the cause of TMD cannot be determined, but if you're having signs and symptoms, our dentists can still diagnose and care for your TMJ. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD are tenderness or pain in the jaw, involuntary contractions in your facial muscles, feeling as though your jaw is stiff or stuck, and headaches that start near your ears. Another sign is hearing cracking, clicking, or popping when you open your jaw.

Sometimes, a misalignment of the bite can prevent the jaw muscles from ever fully relaxing, and this can cause them to develop tension and pain that radiates throughout the face and head. To correct this, our team will simply reshape a few key teeth to help the bite come together properly, allowing the jaw to reach its natural resting position, which should lead to complete pain relief.

An occlusal splint is a type of custom-made oral appliance that a patient would wear to bed, and it can help with TMJ-related issues by slightly repositioning the jaw into a more natural and relaxed orientation during the night. Over time, the jaw will adapt to this new, more functional position and learn to stay in it, helping a patient go through their day symptom-free and without pain. Some patients are even able to stop wearing the appliance after a few months of consistent use.

Along with treatments to fix the underlying cause of your temporomandibular joint disorder, Dr. La Mastra may recommend other means to alleviate pain and other problems on your own. This includes a soft food diet, not biting your nails or chewing gum, heat packs on your jaw, and relaxation techniques. Dr. La Mastra can also give you exercises to strengthen your jaw or prescribe medicine to relax your facial muscles (and to relieve pain, nervousness, or even inflammation).You should continue to attend follow-up visits so Dr. La Mastra can assess the results of your TMJ treatment. If your treatment isn't working, he might look at another approach. Once your TMD has been treated, you should keep going to yearly dental exams at Drs Hamlett and La Mastra to maintain your oral health.

What causes TMJ?

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to TMJ. This includes bruxism (teeth clenching), poor genetics, and bad posture. During your assessment at Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, we can determine the cause of your TMJ.

Is TMJ responsible for my headaches?

TMJ is one possible explanation for symptoms like chronic headaches, migraines, swelling, and facial pain. That's why it's best to visit a professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and jaw.

How long does TMJ therapy take?

Mild to moderate cases of TMJ take less time to treat at Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS than more severe ones. After an examination, our specialists can give you an estimate and let you know what to expect during TMJ therapy.

Is TMJ therapy painful?

TMJ therapy is generally not painful and is designed to reduce discomfort associated with the disorder. Oral appliances, physical therapy, and medications are intended to alleviate pain and improve jaw function. Our team in Dallas, TX is committed to providing effective and comfortable treatment options that help you manage TMJ disorder without unnecessary discomfort.

Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?

In some cases, TMJ disorder may resolve on its own, especially if it is caused by temporary factors such as stress or minor jaw injuries. However, for many individuals, symptoms can persist or worsen over time without treatment. If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, Drs Hamlett and La Mastra can provide effective TMJ therapy to improve your quality of life and prevent further complications.

How long does it take to see results from TMJ therapy?

The time it takes to see results from TMJ therapy varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment. Some patients experience relief within a few weeks of starting therapy, while others may require several months of treatment to see significant improvement.

Pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) makes it hard to chew, talk, and enjoy your life. Since there are lots of potential causes, signs, and remedies to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), schedule a consultation with Dr. Salvator La Mastra at His office in Dallas, TX. He will give you a thorough exam prior to making a diagnosis and discussing treatment options. Contact our staff at Drs Hamlett and La Mastra to get more information and schedule your appointment.