A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can lead to significant discomfort, affecting your ability to speak, chew and even enjoy everyday activities. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, and when it becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can result in pain, headaches and stiffness. Here at Price & Associates Family Dentistry, we offer professional TMJ treatment to alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall oral health.
TMJ disorders often stem from a variety of causes, including jaw injuries, arthritis, stress-related teeth grinding (bruxism) or misaligned teeth. Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Persistent jaw pain, especially when chewing
- Clicking, grinding or popping sounds when opening and closing your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Pain in the neck, shoulders or ears
- Frequent headaches
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is essential to seek timely treatment. Early intervention helps prevent worsening symptoms and protects your jaw’s long-term functionality.
Our treatment approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms. This may include a physical examination, a review of your dental history and advanced imaging to assess the joint. Based on your needs, our dentists may recommend noninvasive solutions such as custom oral appliances, also known as night guards. These appliances help reposition the jaw, reduce muscle tension and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep.
In addition to oral appliances, Dr. Ashley Price and Dr. Chelsea Guilliot may recommend physical therapy, jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, adjustments to your bite alignment or restorative dental treatments. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to restore proper joint function.
Addressing TMJ disorders can provide significant relief and prevent chronic discomfort from impacting your quality of life. Our goal is to help you achieve a pain-free, fully functioning smile. To schedule your consultation with our experienced dentists and learn more about TMJ treatments in Lafayette, Louisiana, please contact Price & Associates Family Dentistry at 337-988-4041. Together, we can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
