If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you might be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ. This condition can affect your ability to speak, chew, and enjoy daily activities. At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery in El Paso, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, offering advanced solutions to help patients find relief.

In this blog, we’ll cover the symptoms of TMJ, the potential causes, and the effective treatment options we offer to relieve discomfort and restore jaw function.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. TMJ disorders (TMD) occur when there is dysfunction in this joint or the surrounding muscles, leading to pain, discomfort, or limited movement.

TMJ disorders can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that may come and go or worsen over time. Left untreated, TMD can have a significant impact on your daily life, making it essential to seek professional treatment early on.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders can manifest in various ways, and not all patients experience the same symptoms. However, some of the most common signs of TMD include:

1. Jaw pain or tenderness
   If you experience pain or discomfort in your jaw, especially when chewing or speaking, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder. The pain may be localized near the joint or radiate to other areas, such as the neck or ears.
2. Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
   TMJ disorders can limit your jaw's range of motion, making it difficult to fully open or close your mouth. Some patients also experience a "locked jaw" sensation.
3. Clicking or popping sounds
   You may hear or feel a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when you open your mouth or chew. While these sounds don’t always indicate a problem, they can be a sign of TMJ issues, especially if accompanied by pain.
4. Frequent headaches or migraines
   TMJ disorders often contribute to tension headaches or migraines, as the joint's dysfunction can strain the muscles of your head and neck.
5. Ear pain or ringing
   Because the TMJ is located near your ears, TMD can cause ear pain, a feeling of fullness, or even ringing (tinnitus) in some cases.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, our team of experts at Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery can help you identify the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders can have several underlying causes, including:

• Jaw misalignment: A misaligned bite (malocclusion) can put excess stress on your jaw joint, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Bruxism, or the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, can strain your jaw muscles and wear down the TMJ over time.
• Injury or trauma: A blow to the face or jaw can damage the joint or surrounding tissues, causing long-term issues.
• Arthritis: Degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, can affect the TMJ, leading to inflammation and limited movement.
• Stress: High levels of stress can lead to jaw clenching and muscle tension, which can exacerbate TMJ problems.

Understanding the cause of your TMJ disorder is key to determining the most effective treatment approach.

TMJ Treatment Options in El Paso

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, we offer a range of treatment options to address TMJ disorders and provide relief. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition and its underlying cause. Here are some of the common treatments we provide:

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

For many patients, non-surgical therapies can effectively alleviate TMJ symptoms. These options may include:

• Oral appliances (splints or nightguards): Custom-made devices can help reduce teeth grinding and ease the pressure on the TMJ by correcting your bite.
• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises and therapies can strengthen the jaw muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.

2. Surgical Treatments

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct TMJ disorders. Our experienced oral surgeons specialize in performing minimally invasive procedures to restore joint function and relieve pain. Surgical options include:

• Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure that involves flushing the joint to remove debris or inflammatory byproducts, improving joint movement.
• Arthroscopy: This procedure allows the surgeon to view and treat the joint through a small incision, making it less invasive than open surgery.
• Open-joint surgery: In rare cases, open surgery may be required to repair or replace a damaged joint, especially in cases of severe trauma or degeneration.

Our team will thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on your specific needs.

Why Choose Us for TMJ Treatment in El Paso?

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, we prioritize patient comfort and individualized care. Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall have years of experience treating TMJ disorders, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and advanced surgical techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. Whether you require non-surgical therapies or surgical intervention, our goal is to help you achieve long-lasting relief and restore proper jaw function.

We take a compassionate approach to care, ensuring that each patient feels heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. With two convenient locations in El Paso, we make it easy to access expert TMJ care when you need it most.

Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today

Don’t let TMJ pain interfere with your life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder, contact Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery to schedule a consultation. Dr. DuVernois and Dr. Marshall are ready to help you find relief and regain full function of your jaw.

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