TMJ
TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment in Austin TX
Headaches are an unfortunately large part of the modern human experience, but there is something you can do about it. TMD, also known as a temporomandibular joint disorder, is a disorder in which you experience dysfunction of the muscles and joints responsible for opening and closing your jaw, usually resulting in jaw pain and headaches. In fact, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, studies suggest that over 10 million Americans suffer from TMD. If you’re suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, contact the best TMJ dentist Austin has to offer at Michael Nussbaum, DDS today.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the condition of grinding or clenching your teeth. Although it is a common sleep condition, grinding or clenching your teeth is not solely a sleep problem. Some people will grind and clench their teeth when they are anxious, cold, angry, or concentrating.
If you notice that you are grinding or clenching your teeth or are frequently suffering from jaw muscle or head pain, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Nussbaum. Bruxism is a serious condition that you should treat.
Symptoms of TMD
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk to your Austin dentist.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, TMD can have a profound impact on your quality of life. Talking to Dr. Nussbaum about what you’re experiencing is the first step in feeling relief.
Causes of TMD
In general, there is no specific cause of TMD. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, females tend to experience TMD more frequently, leaving scientists to explore a possible link between female hormones and TMJ disorders. However, there are multiple reasons that you could be experiencing temporomandibular joint pain, including:
- Clenching and grinding
- Bite misalignment
- Dislocation
- Arthritis
- Injury
There are also underlying conditions that can mimic TMD symptoms. Dr. Nussbaum will carefully evaluate your jaw and neck to determine the contributing factors of your TMD to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing TMD can be difficult since there is no clear cause of TMD or a specific diagnostic test that can be run. Additionally, there are several things that can contribute to jaw and facial pain, muddying the diagnostic waters. Therefore, it takes a trained eye and skilled, experienced dentist to diagnose TMJ disorders.
Dr. Nussbaum will assess your bite and palpate the muscles in your jaw and neck and the joint itself to better understand where your pain is originating from. Additionally, he will assess your range of motion and whether or not you can open your jaw evenly, as these things will be impacted if you have a problem with your bite. If it is necessary, Dr. Nussbaum can also take x-rays to see any underlying structural causes of your TMD.
Determining the severity of your case will help Dr. Nussbaum determine the appropriate treatment plan for you specifically.
TMJ Treatment Austin, TX
According to the American Dental Association, TMD is a condition that cannot be cured but is instead managed. Some home remedies you can try in order to manage your symptoms are:
- Avoid foods that cause symptoms
- Avoid excessive jaw movements that trigger pain
- Use heat or icepacks to dull the pain
- Practice exercises to relax or strengthen the muscles
- Get a massage to relieve muscle tension
Dr. Nussbaum can also provide dental treatments to help relieve your symptoms, such as:
- Custom-made mouthguard to stabilize your bite and prevent irritation to the joint
- Bite appliance (Kois Deprogrammer) that will help relax your temporomandibular joint
Dr. Nussbaum offers some of the best, most compassionate TMJ treatment Austin, TX has to offer.
Cost of TMJ Treatment
The cost of your TMJ treatment will depend on the treatment path that you and Dr. Nussbaum decide on. For a specific quote on your projected treatment plan, schedule a consultation at Michael Nussbaum, DDS today.
If the pain from TMD is getting in the way of your quality of life, don’t wait any longer for relief. Call Dr. Nussbaum at Michael Nussbaum, DDS today at 512-327-3631 or request an appointment online to take the next steps toward relief.
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj