TMJ Treatment Corinth
Ease Jaw Pain Caused by TMJ Disorder
It’s estimated that around 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder, which is a condition that impacts the two joints that anchor your lower jaw to your skull, called your temporomandibular joints. When left untreated, serious TMJ concerns can become worse, ultimately leading to secondary concerns like premature wearing of teeth, bruxism, (teeth grinding) headaches and more. Dr. Mackie offers both fast and long-term solutions to relieve your discomfort at Loretto Family Dentistry, so call to schedule an appointment today for TMJ treatment in Corinth.
Why Choose Loretto Family Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?
- Fast Pain Relief with BOTOX Injections
- Dentist with Over 15 Years of Experience
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can cause many different uncomfortable symptoms that impact your day-to-day life, including:
- Popping and clicking jaw when you open and close your mouth
- Discomfort while eating and speaking
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw and joints
- Ear aches and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Facial pain
- Lockjaw
If you experience any of these, we encourage you to let us know at your next checkup and cleaning or to schedule a separate appointment so Dr. Mackie can conduct an evaluation of your jaw joints and help you find relief.
TMJD Treatment Options
You don’t have to live with discomfort as a result of TMJ disorder. Dr. Mackie is a professional at addressing this condition and offers multiple TMJ treatment options so you can choose the one(s) that best fits your needs.
Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustments
Sometimes, TMJD can be the result of an improperly fitted dental restoration or misshapen teeth that cause the bite to be imbalanced. In these situations, Dr. Mackie can polish and adjust the way the teeth fit together to release strain on the jaw joints and better protect the teeth.
Occlusal Splints
Occlusal splints are custom-made orthotic devices that are worn when you sleep. They’re designed to shift the jaw into its ideal position, helping to release pressure on the jaw joints so you don’t wake up in pain or discomfort. They also act to guard the teeth at night, preventing them from wearing down, cracking, or breaking.
BOTOX Treatment
For more immediate relief, Dr. Mackie also offers BOTOX injections. These can be administered to the muscles surrounding the jaw joints to help them relax, easing strain carried within the muscles and helping relieve pain. Typically, patients start noticing the results within one or two weeks following their visit.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
Yes! Occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments are intended to permanently relieve your TMJ disorder. By shifting your jaw into a more favorable position with an occlusal splint or correcting your bite imbalance with an occlusal adjustment/equilibration, we can reduce the physical stress being placed on your TMJ. After the underlying problem is addressed, you can expect your discomfort to gradually fade.
It’s important to note that BOTOX is a temporary pain-relief method. Make no mistake, it’s effective and works well for patients with tense facial muscles. If your symptoms are chronic, BOTOX injections can keep you comfortable until the more permanent treatments are done working their magic.
Is BOTOX for TMJ Safe?
You can be rest assured that BOTOX is used in a variety of medical contexts and is generally considered to be safe. What makes many people nervous is that BOTOX is short for “botulinum toxin.” As the name implies, it is a type of toxin produced by a specific bacteria strain. However, for it to be harmful, it would have to be administered at over 100 times the average dose! In the care of a skilled professional, you shouldn’t be overly concerned, and your risk of prolonged or serious side effects will be incredibly low.
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
Your specific timeline will depend on the severity of your disorder and the nature of your situation. But generally, these estimations are a good rule-of-thumb:
- Occlusal splints must be worn every night in order to work properly. If you stick to this commitment, you can start to experience results in as little as a few weeks.
- Equilibration/occlusal adjustments can be completed in one-to-two office visits on average. It might take some time for your bite to settle into its corrected position, but once it does, most patients experience quick relief.
- BOTOX injections typically have the shortest treatment times. Administering BOTOX can take as little as 30 minutes, and after your facial muscles have relaxed for a few days, you’ll likely notice a difference in comfort.
Is TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance?
The answer to this question can be rather complicated. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you should know:
- Since your TMJ is a skeletal joint, treatment costs could be covered under medical or dental insurance.
- The state of Texas mandates that health insurance policies provide coverage for medically necessary TMJ expenses.
- Certain policies are exempt from this mandate, however, so it’s still a good idea to check in with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
Insurance can be confusing, but your Loretto Family Dentistry team is here to help! Just say the word, and we’ll review your insurance policy to ensure you’re taking full advantage of your benefits. We also offer CareCredit flexible financing for patients without dental insurance, so your budget doesn’t have to come between you and jaw pain relief.