TMJ treatment with an experienced neuromuscular dentist in Wichita Falls, can change your life. Many of the patients who come to our TMJ dentists have been suffering from the painful symptoms of TMJ for months, years, or even decades. Often, TMJ goes misdiagnosed because the array of symptoms can seem unrelated to those who do not have training and education specific to the complexity of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD).

Using the most advanced TMJ technology today, we help relieve TMJ pain for people in and around the Wichita Falls area.

People with issues with TMJs require a specific type of treatment plan that addresses the areas where their problems lie. Different patients require different levels of care for Temporomandibular Joint issues. We have treated patients with mild TMJ, and we have treated patients with severe TMJ. No matter where you land on that spectrum, we can help.

A Bit About the TMJs

The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on either side of the head, so everyone has two TMJs. When these joints are not functioning properly, they can impact your ability to speak and eat normally. Dysfunction of the TMJs may also result in dental issues such as occlusal instability or undue wear that can cause muscle spasms and pain.

Phases of TMJ Treatment

You will move into Phase II treatment of TMJ after Phase 1 is complete and if our TMJ dentists deem Phase II TMJ treatment necessary.

Phase I treatment options do not involve direct treatment at the joint level. Instead, these options include occlusal appliance therapy, physical/chiropractic therapy, medication therapy, or injection therapy. Phase I of TMJ treatment can last between six months and two years based on the number of structural changes in the TMJ.

Measurements taken with Digital Scanning, Electromyography (EMG), and low-frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are routinely used to assist our TMJ dentists in observing and recording the dynamics of jaw activity to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for our patients. These

findings are also used to confirm that your oral appliance is appropriately adjusted to the muscles that chew and that the oral appliance is not placing undue strain on any structure.

A lower orthotic that is precisely fine-tuned in all dimensions (vertical, lateral, and anteroposterior) is highly effective in addressing most TMJ issues we see. However, some patients must move on to Phase II TMJ Treatment if symptoms are still present following the completion of Phase I Treatment of TMJ.

Phase II treatment options include direct joint treatment, including soft- and hard-tissue treatment options. Soft tissue treatment options include arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, disk repairs, and disk replacements. Surgery is often never necessary to treat TMJ.

Phase II treatment options are typically reserved for patients with significant dysfunction of the TMJs. Most Phase II treatment options occur after Phase I treatment options have been exhausted.

  • Orthodontics: Conservative orthodontic and non-surgical orthopedic treatment can sometimes align the bite to its optimal neuromuscular position.
  • Restorative Treatment: If there are existing dental crowns, fillings, or excessive wear on the teeth, a full mouth restoration may be considered. If just a few teeth are missing, they can be restored with dental bridges or implants. This approach results in a beautiful smile. Any restorative treatment for Phase II TMJ treatment demands a thorough understanding and control of the bite and muscle management, and our TMJ dentists have this understanding
  • Some combination of the above TMJ treatments.
  • An oral orthotic in addition to one or more of the above: For patients who need to hold the bite for long periods before proceeding to the permanent restorations, a long-term overlay appliance that fits over the existing worn-down teeth may be created.

Every patient presents to us with different TMJ-related problems. There are numerous symptoms of TMJ, and, therefore, there are multiple TMJ treatment plans we may put into place. Only after a comprehensive evaluation using the most innovative technology.

Learn More About Phase II TMJ Treatment

To schedule an evaluation with our Wichita Falls TMJ dentists, call 940-322-2252. Our team will promptly assist with scheduling and answer any questions you have.