Are you struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort when chewing or speaking? You might be dealing with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder. TMJ issues are more common than you might think, and they can have a significant impact on your daily life. The good news is that we offer TMJ treatment in Waco at Acre Wood Dental, where our dedicated team is ready to help you find relief.

Discover what TMJ disorder is, how to recognize its symptoms, and how our expert dentists at Acre Wood Dental can help you feel better and get back to enjoying life.

What is TMJ Disorder? 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. This joint allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, talk, and yawn. When something goes wrong with the TMJ, it can cause a condition called TMJ disorder (or TMD).

There are several possible causes of TMJ disorder, including injury, stress, arthritis, or even teeth grinding (often due to anxiety or improper alignment). Some common causes of TMJ disorder are:

• Jaw injuries: A blow to the jaw or head can misalign the TMJ, causing pain and dysfunction.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): People who grind their teeth, especially while sleeping, can place excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
• Arthritis: In some cases, arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing stiffness, pain, and limited movement.

The symptoms of TMJ disorder vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
• Headaches or migraines
• Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty or pain when chewing
• Limited movement of the jaw or jaw-locking

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking TMJ treatment in Waco is essential to prevent the condition from worsening and to improve your comfort.

Why is TMJ Treatment Important?

TMJ disorders can affect many areas of your life. The pain and discomfort associated with the condition can make everyday activities—like eating, speaking, and even smiling—painful and stressful. If left untreated, TMJ problems can lead to:

• Chronic pain
• Damage to teeth from grinding
• Difficulty speaking and eating
• Increased stress or anxiety due to constant discomfort

You can avoid these long-term effects by seeking treatment early and starting to feel better. At Acre Wood Dental, we are committed to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders effectively, helping you find the relief you need to live a comfortable, pain-free life.

TMJ Treatment in Waco at Acre Wood Dental

At Acre Wood Dental, Dr. Marc Johnson, Dr. Olzack, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Edwards, and Dr. Johnson provide top-notch care for TMJ disorders. Our team of experienced dentists works together to ensure you receive the best possible treatment for your specific needs. With our help, you can find relief from TMJ pain and get back to living your life without discomfort.

Customized Solutions for TMJ Disorder

The first step in finding relief from TMJ disorder is determining the cause of the issue. We thoroughly evaluate your symptoms, your jaw and teeth alignment, and your oral health. This information allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Here are some of the treatments and therapies we may recommend for TMJ disorder:

• Oral Appliances (Splints and Mouthguards): If teeth grinding or jaw clenching contributes to your TMJ disorder, we may suggest a custom-made oral appliance. You will wear this device at night to protect your teeth from grinding and alleviate pressure on your TMJ. It can also help realign your jaw, improving joint function.
• Physical Therapy: Our dentists may sometimes recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your jaw and improve jaw movement. This can reduce pain and improve your ability to use your jaw comfortably.
• Jaw Relaxation Techniques: Because stress often exacerbates TMJ disorder, learning how to relax your jaw muscles is an integral part of treatment. We’ll provide tips on reducing jaw tension, which can help prevent further discomfort.
• Medications: We may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area.

No two cases of TMJ disorder are the same, so the treatment plan that’s right for you will be unique to your situation. We aim to restore proper jaw function, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.

Why Choose Acre Wood Dental for TMJ Treatment?

Regarding TMJ treatment, don’t settle for any dental office. At Acre Wood Dental, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care. Our expert dentists work together to ensure you receive the best possible treatment. Whether you need a simple mouthguard or more advanced therapy, we’ll guide you through the process and help you find the best solution. Read more about our team down below.

Meet Our Team for Treating TMJ

Acre Wood Dental is proud to have a dedicated team of five skilled dentists: Dr. Marc Johnson, Dr. Olzack, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Edwards, and Dr. Johnson. Together, we offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of families in Temple, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

Each of us brings years of experience to the practice. We specialize in general and cosmetic dentistry and treating patients with TMJ disorders. We focus on creating personalized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring our care is as practical and comfortable as possible.

Dr. Marc Johnson, who has been with us for many years, is known for his compassionate care and excellent communication. Dr. Olzack, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Edwards, and Dr. Johnson all share a commitment to helping our patients achieve better oral health and find relief from TMJ pain.

Together, we form a team focused on ensuring your TMJ disorder is treated with the most effective approach so you can experience lasting relief.

Insurance and Payment Options

At Acre Wood Dental, we make dental care affordable for everyone. We accept most major insurance plans, so you won’t have to worry about the financial burden when seeking treatment for TMJ disorder. To see if your insurance plan is accepted, visit our insurance page.

If you don’t have insurance or are looking for an affordable alternative, we offer a Dental Savings Plan. This plan helps reduce the cost of dental services, including TMJ treatment, making it easier for you to get the care you need.

Don’t Wait to Seek TMJ Treatment in Waco

If you’re ready to explore TMJ treatment in Waco, scheduling an appointment with us at Acre Wood Dental is simple. You can book your appointment online, or feel free to call us at our Waco Office at 254-457-5285 to discuss your symptoms and concerns. We’ll guide you through the process and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Our team at Acre Wood Dental in Waco is ready to help you with personalized care for your TMJ disorder. Whether you need a custom oral appliance, physical therapy, or relaxation techniques, we will work with you to find the best treatment. For your total dental care, check out our other services, like teeth whitening and dental bonding. We are so excited to meet you!