TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment

Millions of patients suffer from temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder every year in the United States, yet relatively few ever receive a proper diagnosis or treatment for this painful condition. At the dental practice of Dr. W. Paul Burns, DDS, patients in the El Dorado, AR area can rely on us to provide customized diagnosis & treatment options that address the underlying cause of the disorder and provide relief from your pain and discomfort.

WHAT IS TMJ DISORDER?

The TMJs are the joints that help your jaw function properly. Whereas most joints move in only one direction (such as your elbow bending up and down), the TMJs move in many – up and down, back and forth, and side to side – making them one of the most complex joints in the body. In addition, incredible stresses are routinely placed upon the joints while we are chewing food and if we clench or grind our teeth. As a result, it is easy for these joints to become inflamed and painful, causing TMJ disorder. Some of the common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
• Chronic headaches
• Ear pain
• Neck pain
• The sensation of a locked jaw in either the open or closed position

EFFECTIVE TMJ SOLUTIONS

The best treatment for TMJ disorder depends on what has caused the issue to develop in the first place. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes such as adjusting your posture, avoiding chewing hard objects, and using a night guard to protect your teeth and sensitive joints if you clench and grind your teeth can be all that is necessary to provide relief. However, in other cases, there may be anatomical issues or an imbalance in the way your teeth, muscles, and joints are aligned that are causing your TMJ problems. In this case, bio-rejuvenation dentistry can help resolve many patients’ symptoms by bringing better alignment, balance, and function back to the whole mouth. This specialized approach to dentistry is a non-invasive, biological approach to treating your mouth and can offer aesthetic benefits at the same time that it restores better function and eliminates pain.

Call the dental practice of Dr. W. Paul Burns, DDS today at (870) 686-4232 to schedule your consultation and get the jaw pain relief you deserve.