Believe it or not, if you suffer from jaw pain, frequent headaches, earaches, and pain in your neck, shoulders, and back, you could be dealing with what is known as a temporomandibular joint disorder. Also called TMD or TMJ, this condition refers to any one of multiple issues that can affect the health of your temporomandibular joints.
Advanced Dental Associates is here to help if you are suffering from TMJ and require TMJ treatment to restore your smile in San Antonio, TX. We also provide restorative dental care treatments at our San Antonio, TX, dental office.
- Schedule your consultation online today or give us a call at (726) 222-3379!
- We’re located at 16131 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
- Check our Payment&Insurance page.
Affordable TMJ Treatment in San Antonio, TX – Meet Cherry Financing!
Don’t let finances stand in the way of your dental health. With Cherry Financing, you can break payments into manageable monthly installments and get the care you need now.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face. This complex joint controls essential everyday functions, including chewing, speaking, and swallowing. When the joint, surrounding muscles, or structural discs become misaligned, inflamed, or damaged, it results in a cluster of painful conditions collectively known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), though patients commonly refer to the issue simply as TMJ.
TMJ disorders can be triggered by chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw trauma, arthritis, stress, or a misaligned bite. Without timely treatment, the condition can cause irreversible dental wear, severe tension headaches, and limited jaw mobility. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward lasting pain relief.
Treatments for TMJ
No two smiles (or jaw structures) are exactly alike. To ensure long-term relief and structural health, we offer a comprehensive suite of advanced, non-invasive TMJ treatments tailored to your specific diagnostic needs.
-
Custom Occlusal Splints and Nightguards: The most frequent cause of TMJ irritation is nocturnal bruxism (unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep). We design custom-fitted dental splints and nightguards that comfortably sit over your teeth. These oral appliances physically prevent your upper and lower teeth from grinding together, instantly relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joint and allowing your jaw muscles to fully relax overnight.
-
Occlusal Equilibration (Bite Adjustment): If your TMJ pain stems from a misaligned bite where your teeth do not meet evenly, a minor bite adjustment may be recommended. During this precise procedure, we carefully reshape the chewing surfaces of specific teeth to eliminate interference. This redistributes chewing forces evenly across your entire mouth, taking the strain off your overworked jaw joints.
-
BOTOX Therapeutic Injections: For severe muscle tension and chronic TMJ-induced headaches, BOTOX injections offer highly targeted relief. When injected precisely into the overactive masseter (chewing) muscles, BOTOX temporarily reduces their contraction intensity. This alleviates involuntary clenching and facial pain while maintaining your ability to chew, speak, and smile naturally.
-
Long-Term Orthodontic Alignment: When comprehensive structural misalignment is the primary source of your joint dysfunction, long-term orthodontic solutions like clear aligners or traditional braces can permanently correct your bite. Aligning your teeth correctly ensures your jaw moves along its natural, stress-free path.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment in San Antonio
How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ?
Common warning signs of a TMJ disorder include a persistent clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening your mouth, frequent headaches, tenderness around your jaw joint, difficulty chewing comfortably, or a jaw that occasionally feels stuck or locked in place.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
While minor jaw irritation from temporary stress or a minor injury may subside with rest, chronic TMJ disorders rarely resolve on their own. Left untreated, the underlying structural issues can worsen, leading to permanent joint damage and severe wear on your teeth.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage varies significantly depending on your specific insurance provider and policy details. Our experienced office team will thoroughly review your dental insurance benefit plan to maximize your coverage and discuss flexible financing options to ensure your treatment is affordable.