TMJ Treatment Altavista

Relieve Your Chronic Jaw Pain at Last

Man holding his jaw in pain talking to his dentist about T M J treatment in Altavista

Your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) may be small and unknown to many people, but they’re a truly essential part of your ongoing oral health. They have the all-too-important job of connecting your lower jaw to the rest of your skull and helping you chew, speak, and perform other important parts of everyday life. Unfortunately, this big responsibility means that even the slightest malfunction or strain can throw the entire system off-balance, resulting in severe pain.

This is called TMJ disorder (or TMD), and no one should have to live with it forever. That’s why our dentists want to see you here in the Altavista area for TMJ treatment as soon as possible! Our team is excellent at diagnosing the tell-tale signs of TMJ disorder and working with you to find the solution that best fits your needs. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation to review your options for TMJ treatment in Altavista, VA, or if you have any questions.

Why Choose Hooks Family Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?

  • Ease Chronic Jaw Pain
  • We Accept Dental Insurance
  • Experienced Team of Dentists

Do You Have TMJ Disorder?

Model of the skull showing the jaw joints

TMJ disorder is a complex health problem with many different causes associated with it. While no two cases are exactly the same, there are some common TMJ symptoms that patients should be aware of. They include:

  • Constant pain that’s located around the jaw, face, neck, shoulders, ears, or back
  • Having difficulty opening and closing your mouth fully
  • Regular locking and clicking sounds in the jaw
  • Specific discomfort that feels like an earache

How Do You Treat TMJ Disorder?

Dentist placing an occlusal splint over a model of an arch of teeth

Occlusal splints are the most common treatment recommendation by far. These appliances are very similar to a nightguard, which works to prevent bruxism (a common source of TMJ disorder). However, occlusal splints are typically more focused on resetting the jaw in its rightful, more comfortable position. Over time, our goal is to create permanent improvements that remain even after the splint is no longer being used on a regular basis.

If your TMJ disorder is being caused by an overly misaligned bite, an occlusal adjustment may also be able to make a big difference in your oral health. Our doctors will carefully and precisely adjust one or more teeth with restorative work so that the teeth are able to meet more evenly, and any undue pressure is relieved. By creating a more harmonious bite, our team hopes to make your TMJ discomfort a distant memory.