TMJ Treatment
Relief from jaw pain and headaches.
1 min read
TMJ treatment in Richmond, TX relieves the headaches, jaw pain, and facial tension caused by temporomandibular joint disorder. At Mega Dental, we examine your bite and jaw to treat the cause — not just the symptoms — for long-lasting relief.
- Relieves chronic headaches and migraines
- Reduces jaw, neck, and facial pain
- Treats the cause, not just symptoms
- Long-term, lasting relief
Overview
If you suffer from regularly occurring headaches or persistent pain in your jaws, neck, face, or shoulders, you may have TMJ — Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Also known as TMD, it's most commonly caused by a misaligned bite placing strain on your jaw. While many people suffer from TMJ, the problem is relatively unknown. The good news is that it's treatable, and proper therapy addresses the cause of the pain rather than simply masking it.
Symptoms of TMD
Pounding or pulsing headaches similar to migraines, jaw or face pain, shoulder or neck aches, swollen face or jaw muscles, earaches or hearing problems, difficulty opening your jaw, and a misaligned bite are all signs. Because TMD develops slowly, these symptoms can sneak up over time.
How we treat TMJ
We first relax the jaw to ease muscle strain, then take precise measurements of your jaw in its relaxed state. These guide a plan to realign your jaw into its optimal position — similar to how braces gently move teeth. The result is a long-term solution that eliminates the cause of the pain, preventing further stress to your face, jaw, and shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I have TMJ?
- Common signs are frequent headaches, jaw clicking or popping, pain when chewing, and neck or shoulder aches. A thorough exam of your bite and jaw can confirm whether TMJ is the cause.
- Will I need surgery for TMJ?
- Rarely. Most TMJ is managed with conservative care — a custom splint, bite adjustment, or orthodontics. Surgery is only considered when other treatments haven't helped.
- How long does TMJ treatment take?
- It depends on the cause and severity. Some patients feel relief within weeks of wearing a custom splint; others need orthodontic treatment to correct the bite. We'll outline your plan at your first visit.