101 Fly Creek Ave #301, Fairhope, AL 36532
Find Relief from TMJ/TMD Pain
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), also known as TMJ, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. TMD can cause discomfort or pain in the jaw, face, neck, and even lead to headaches. At Hollon & Taylor Dental Fairhope, we offer effective treatments to help relieve the pain associated with TMD and restore normal jaw function.
If you experience jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when chewing, or frequent headaches, TMD treatment could help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What Is TMJ/TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for the movement of your jaw. TMD refers to disorders that affect this joint and the surrounding muscles, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in jaw movement. Symptoms of TMD can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or migraines
- Facial pain or swelling
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Teeth grinding or clenching
TMD can result from various causes, including stress, teeth grinding, jaw injury, or misalignment of the bite. Hollon & Taylor Dental Fairhope can assess your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage the condition.
TMJ/TMD Treatment Options
At Hollon & Taylor Dental Fairhope, we offer a variety of treatment options designed to relieve the symptoms of TMD and improve the function of your jaw. Some of the treatments we may recommend include:
- Custom Mouthguards or Splints: A custom-designed mouthguard or splint can help reduce teeth grinding, a common cause of TMD. These appliances are worn while sleeping and help prevent the clenching of teeth, which can strain the jaw.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches prescribed by your dentist or physical therapist can help improve jaw mobility and relieve muscle tension.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain associated with TMD. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to ease jaw muscle spasms.
- Bite Adjustments: If misalignment of the teeth or bite is contributing to your TMD, your dentist may suggest bite adjustments or orthodontic treatment to restore proper alignment and relieve pressure on the jaw joint.
- Stress Management Techniques: Since stress can exacerbate TMD, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or stress management strategies can help reduce jaw tension and alleviate pain.
- Surgical Treatment (in rare cases): In severe cases where conservative treatments are not effective, surgical options such as arthroscopy or jaw realignment may be considered to address TMD.
Why TMJ/TMD Treatment is Important
TMJ/TMD can lead to chronic discomfort and limit your ability to perform everyday tasks such as eating and speaking. Left untreated, TMD can worsen, potentially causing permanent damage to the joint or teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from progressing and improve your quality of life.
At Hollon & Taylor Dental Fairhope, we offer personalized, non-invasive treatments that can alleviate pain and restore normal jaw function, allowing you to live comfortably without the daily discomfort caused by TMD.
Schedule Your TMJ/TMD Consultation
If you're experiencing jaw pain or other symptoms of TMD, don't wait—contact Hollon & Taylor Dental Fairhope today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to assess your condition and provide effective treatment to relieve your discomfort and improve your jaw function.