Get Relief From Jaw Pain With TMJ Treatment in Dallas, TX
With his focus on comprehensive care and oral systemic health, Dallas, TX dentist Dr. Cary Shatto doesn’t just treat problems like cavities and infected teeth. For example, he can offer TMJ treatment to help relieve an aching jaw. If your jaw pain is related to issues with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), a custom-made nightguard may help you feel better.
Doctor Cary Shatto on Teeth Grinding
Read Transcript
One of the things, when I'm evaluating a patient, I'm looking for cavities, gum disease, but if I see that patients have worn out teeth, they have what we call wear facets; little holes in their teeth, or shaved-down cusps, they have recession, they have what are called abfractions, these are things that trigger treatments and if there's not a trigger, then it's sleep apnea, then I know that that patient needs what's called a night guard, especially if you're young and you start grinding your teeth and you see signs of this, very quickly your teeth are going to wear down.
Very quickly, your teeth are going to have other problems related to the wear and the recession, and so what we do is we make what's called night guards, and that really helps preserve, not only the tooth structure and the gums, but it helps with TMJ, the muscles in the face, and keeps the jaws in their correct place, and keeps the muscles and ligaments from stretching.
It's a very, very important aspect of dentistry that I'm passionate about, as well.
A custom nightguard, created just for you, fits better than the ones you can purchase online or at a retail store. Dr. Shatto will carefully examine you to determine the best kind of nightguard to use to relieve the pressure you put on your TMJ while you sleep.
Your nightguard will:
- Stop you from grinding teeth and clenching teeth, problems that can contribute to TMJ pain
- Relieve painful symptoms related to a TMJ disorder, such as headaches or earaches
- Use a conservative and inexpensive solution to address TMJ issues
For help easing your TMJ pain, call American Family Dental at 214-340-4965.
See Us If You’re Suffering With TMJ Symptoms
A persistently sore jaw is one of the most obvious symptoms of a TMJ disorder. However, you also may experience:
- Difficulty opening your jaws wide
- Jaws that lock or become “stuck” when you open or close your mouth
- Facial swelling, especially around the jaw
- Chronic earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain or tenderness in your face, neck, and shoulders
A Nightguard Often Relieves TMJ Pain
No one knows exactly what causes a TMJ disorder. Among the factors that can contribute to the problem are teeth grinding, which puts pressure on your TMJ, and stress that leads you to clench your jaw. Many people may not even know they have these behaviors because they occur during the night. A nightguard can help by gently easing your jaw into a comfortable position that makes it impossible to clench or grind your teeth.
To see if you need TMJ treatment, call 214-340-4965 to make an appointment with Dr. Cary Shatto. You can also use our online form to schedule your visit.