TMJ Treatment in Hillsboro – Relief from Jaw Pain
Effective TMJ treatment at East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro. Find lasting relief from jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders with comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder affects the jaw joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This complex joint allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. When it does not function properly, you may experience pain, clicking, locking, and limited movement.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening mouth
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tooth sensitivity not caused by decay
Common Causes of TMJ
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Stress and anxiety
- Disc erosion or displacement in the joint
- Poor posture affecting neck and facial muscles
TMJ Treatment Options
Conservative Treatments
Custom Night Guards: Protect teeth from grinding and reduce jaw tension during sleep. Most effective first-line treatment.
Physical Therapy: Jaw exercises, stretches, and massage to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
Stress Management: Relaxation techniques to reduce jaw clenching and muscle tension.
Medications: Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers as needed.
Advanced Treatments
Orthodontic Treatment: Correct bite alignment issues contributing to TMJ problems.
Occlusal Adjustment: Reshape tooth surfaces to improve bite alignment.
Botox Injections: Relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce pain (advanced cases).
Joint Injections: Corticosteroid or lubricant injections for severe inflammation.
The TMJ Treatment Process
- Comprehensive Examination: Evaluate jaw function, bite alignment, and muscle palpation
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays or 3D scans to assess joint structure
- Treatment Plan: Customized approach based on severity and causes
- Initial Treatment: Usually starts with conservative options (night guard, exercises)
- Follow-up Care: Monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed
Cost of TMJ Treatment
- Custom night guard: $300-$600
- Comprehensive TMJ evaluation: $150-$300
- Physical therapy (per session): $75-$150
- Advanced treatments: Varies based on complexity
Many insurance plans cover TMJ treatment, especially when medically necessary. We will verify your benefits and help maximize coverage.
Self-Care Tips for TMJ Relief
- Apply ice or heat packs to the jaw area
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing gum
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress
- Avoid extreme jaw movements (wide yawning, loud singing)
- Maintain good posture
- Gentle jaw stretches and massage
- Avoid clenching or grinding teeth
FAQs About TMJ Treatment
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Most patients see significant improvement within 3-6 months with conservative treatment. Chronic cases may require longer management.
Will I need surgery for TMJ?
Surgery is rarely needed. Over 90% of TMJ cases improve with conservative treatments like night guards, exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Some mild cases may improve with rest and self-care. However, professional treatment is recommended to prevent worsening and address underlying causes.
Schedule Your TMJ Evaluation
Don’t let jaw pain control your life. Call East Wind Dental Care at (503) 614-0198 or book your TMJ evaluation online.
Expert TMJ treatment serving Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Aloha, Oregon.