TMJ Treatment Bullard

Diagnosis & Treatment

Basically, teeth grinding and clenching, as well as having an improper bite, cause the muscles that control the jaw to be overworked; as a result, they become fatigued and can spasm. That is when the pain begins. TMJ dysfunction can be worsened by biting your fingernails or chewing gum as well, so try to avoid these habits if you're suffering from symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is not wise to ignore them or attempt to cope with them on your own. It can get worse without warning, and permanent damage to the joint can result, which may require surgery. The best thing to do is to call our dental office immediately to be evaluated. Our team wants to get you on the road to recovery and relief!

Take Our Quiz To See If You Have TMD

Contact our dental office today if you’re experiencing chronic headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, or other symptoms of TMJ dysfunction like clicking or popping of the jaw. You don’t have to live in constant discomfort or pain. We happily see people from all over East Texas, including Mixon, Whitehouse, and beyond.

TMJ Quiz

Disclusion Time Reduction

Disclusion Time Reduction Therapy, otherwise known as DTR, is a therapy that deals with the friction between the upper and lower back teeth and the muscles. Research has shown that reducing the amount of friction will relax the muscles of the face, which in turn reduces or eliminates the pain in the face and jaw joint (TMJ), as well as the severity of headaches.

Am I a Good Candidate for Disclusion Time Reduction?
DTR might be for you if:

• You are unable to swish with cold water due to sensitive teeth.
• You are unable to chew gum for more than 5-10 minutes without your muscles getting tired.
• You are looking for solutions that include eliminating the use of a nightguard.

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How DTR Can Help with TMJ Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder (otherwise known as TMJ disorder or TMD) is a condition involving the jaw joints located in front of your ears. The joints connect the mandible (lower jawbone) to the temporal bones of the skull on each side of the head. Approximately 12% of the population is affected by TMD. TMD may be described as a dull, aching pain that comes and goes in the jaw joint and nearby area. TMD can also lead to chronic headaches.

Disclusion Time Reduction therapy (DTR) is a therapy using technology and precise adjustments to decrease or eliminate TMJ pain and headaches. DTR decreases the friction between the upper and lower teeth and allows the muscles to relax. Otherwise, the jaw muscles are working constantly, similar to doing pull-ups all day long. Imagine what your arms would feel like after doing pull-ups constantly. This is why people have jaw, face, and neck pain with TMD.

Can Any Dentist Perform Disclusion Time Reduction?

Proper training and technology are very important to perform DTR accurately. The dentist must have a Tech Scan bite analysis system, a joint vibration analysis (JVA), and an EMG, which helps to evaluate jaw muscle activity. These three pieces of technology allow the dentist to objectively diagnose and treat the issues. The dentist must also have training to properly use each piece of technology.

Dr. Morgan was one of the first 5 dentists in the United States to become certified in DTR. To become certified, a dentist must complete the didactic training, incorporate all necessary technology to perform DTR, and successfully complete the hands-on clinical training. If you are suffering from TMD/TMJ or have face pain or jaw pain, please call our office for a consultation to see if this therapy is for you.

Occlusal Adjustments

It’s common for concerns with the TMJ joints to arise because of an improper bite. A naturally perfect bite is actually very rare. Even still, our goal is to help you enjoy a smile where all teeth are present, functional, and you’re fully free of issues like facial discomfort, sore muscles, dental wear, and other concerns. Patients with TMJ disorder may benefit from occlusal adjustment, which will involve Dr. Morgan carefully shaping certain biting surfaces of your smile to eliminate sensitive areas of contact and divide pressure evenly across all of your teeth. Correcting your bite may also involve the placement and rebuilding of restorative work in order to provide additional support.

Occlusal Splints

Many patients can achieve relief from TMJ disorder with a custom occlusal splint from our practice. This oral appliance is designed to allow your upper and lower jaws to come together properly without making tooth contact, resulting in reduced risks of muscle pain and dental damage. In the beginning stages of treatment, you’ll typically be instructed to wear the splint at all times as your bite is naturally adjusted. Once this has occurred, treatment can be reduced to nightly wear and then even eliminated altogether after a period of anywhere from several weeks to multiple months of diligent use.