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Jaw Pain and TMD

aw pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can significantly disrupt your daily life, making even simple activities like eating, speaking, and yawning challenging. At Valleyview Dental, we understand the discomfort and frustration that accompany these conditions, and we are dedicated to providing effective treatments designed to alleviate pain and improve jaw function.

Indications for Treatment

You may need treatment for TMD if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Continuous pain or tenderness in the jaw area can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to eat, speak, or even sleep comfortably.
  • Difficulty or Discomfort While Chewing: Pain while chewing or biting down is often a sign of problems with the jaw joints or muscles, which may require professional treatment to resolve.
  • Limited Jaw Movement or Locking: If you have difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth, or if your jaw locks in place, it could be an indication of TMD. This can significantly impact your ability to eat and speak normally.
  • Chronic Headaches or Earaches: Frequent headaches or earaches are common symptoms associated with TMD and can greatly affect your overall quality of life. These symptoms often accompany jaw pain and may be misdiagnosed as other conditions.

Treatment Options

At Valleyview Dental, we offer a variety of effective treatments to manage TMD and alleviate jaw pain:

  • Botox Treatments: Botox injections can help reduce muscle tension in the jaw area, providing relief from pain and improving jaw function. This treatment targets the muscles responsible for grinding and clenching, which are common causes of TMD.
  • Custom-Made Splints: These specialized mouthguards are designed to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and reduce pressure on the jaw joints. Wearing a splint at night can significantly reduce morning jaw pain and protect your teeth from damage.
  • Pain Management: Our comprehensive approach includes medications to relieve pain and inflammation, as well as therapeutic exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles. We may also recommend physical therapy techniques to improve jaw mobility and reduce tension, and provide referrals to appropriate specialists if needed.

Treatment Options

At Valleyview Dental, we offer a variety of effective treatments to manage TMD and alleviate jaw pain:

  • Botox Treatments: Botox injections can help reduce muscle tension in the jaw area, providing relief from pain and improving jaw function. This treatment targets the muscles responsible for grinding and clenching, which are common causes of TMD.
  • Custom-Made Splints: These specialized mouthguards are designed to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and reduce pressure on the jaw joints. Wearing a splint at night can significantly reduce morning jaw pain and protect your teeth from damage.
  • Pain Management: Our comprehensive approach includes medications to relieve pain and inflammation, as well as therapeutic exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles. We may also recommend physical therapy techniques to improve jaw mobility and reduce tension, and provide referrals to appropriate specialists if needed.

Our Approach

At Valleyview Dental, we take a multi-disciplinary approach to managing TMD. We consider all aspects of your health and lifestyle to create a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is not only to alleviate your symptoms but also to address the underlying causes of your jaw pain, ensuring long-term relief and improved jaw function.

Comprehensive Care for a Better Quality of Life

Effective management of TMD can greatly enhance your quality of life. By reducing pain and restoring normal jaw function, our treatments can help you enjoy daily activities without discomfort, allowing you to live more fully and comfortably.