Are you clenching and grinding your teeth?
Do you wake up with a sore jaw?
Do you suffer from headaches/migraines?
Do you ever hear clicking and popping noises in your jaw?
Does your jaw ever get stuck open or shut?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have a TMJ disorder. At Revival Dental in Metairie, Dr. Rachel Neumeyer specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to help you find relief from jaw pain and related symptoms.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. This important joint connects your lower jaw to your skull on both sides of your face, just in front of your ears. It works like a sliding hinge, letting you talk, chew, and yawn.
When this joint or the muscles around it have problems, it’s called a TMJ disorder. This can happen because of:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (especially during sleep)
- Stress that causes jaw tension
- Injury to the jaw
- Arthritis
- Misaligned bite
Symptoms of TMJ: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
TMJ disorders can cause many uncomfortable symptoms that affect your daily life. Common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, or neck
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- A jaw that gets stuck or “locks” in open or closed positions
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you move your jaw
- Headaches or migraines that won’t go away
- Earaches or ringing in your ears
- Facial swelling
- Tooth sensitivity without dental issues
Many patients don’t realize these symptoms are connected to jaw problems. Dr. Neumeyer can help identify if your discomfort stems from TMJ issues.
Why It’s Important To Treat TMJ
Treating TMJ disorders isn’t just about relieving pain—it’s about improving your overall quality of life and preventing future problems. Untreated TMJ can lead to chronic, worsening pain that affects your daily activities. Many patients struggle with eating or speaking properly when TMJ issues are left unaddressed. Over time, untreated grinding can cause significant damage to your teeth, requiring extensive dental work.
Sleep disruption is another common consequence, leaving you tired and irritable during the day. The ongoing discomfort can increase your stress and anxiety levels, creating a cycle where stress worsens TMJ symptoms. Perhaps most concerning is the risk of permanent joint damage that can develop over time without proper care.
Early treatment means better outcomes and less discomfort. Dr. Neumeyer believes in addressing TMJ issues before they become more serious, helping you avoid long-term complications.
TMJ Treatment Options at Revival Dental
Dr. Neumeyer is trained in many methods to help relieve TMJ pain. Night guard appliances, botulinum toxin treatment, exercises, and stress management techniques are just a few of the many ways Dr. Neumeyer helps get TMJ pain under control.
At Revival Dental, we offer personalized TMJ treatment options.
Custom Night Guards
These specially fitted devices protect your teeth while you sleep, preventing grinding and clenching that can worsen TMJ symptoms. Unlike over-the-counter options, our night guards are created from precise impressions of your teeth for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Each guard is crafted from durable, high-quality materials that won’t disrupt your sleep. Dr. Neumeyer carefully adjusts each guard to ensure proper fit and bite alignment, addressing your specific grinding patterns. Many patients report significant relief from morning jaw pain and headaches after just a few nights of consistent use. We also provide detailed care instructions to keep your night guard clean and effective for years to come.
Botox Treatment
Targeted injections help relax the jaw muscles that cause pain and tension, providing significant relief for many patients. Dr. Neumeyer has specialized training in using botulinum toxin specifically for TMJ disorders, ensuring precise placement for optimal results. The treatment takes just minutes to administer but can provide months of relief. Most patients notice a reduction in jaw tension within 24-48 hours, with full results developing over 7-10 days. This approach is particularly effective for patients whose TMJ pain stems primarily from muscle overactivity or clenching. The treatment typically needs to be repeated every 3-4 months, though some patients find they can go longer between sessions as their muscles “learn” to relax.
TMJ Exercises
Dr. Neumeyer can teach you specific stretching and strengthening exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce discomfort. These gentle exercises help restore normal movement patterns in your jaw joint and surrounding muscles. You’ll receive personalized instruction on performing these exercises correctly at home, with guidance on frequency and intensity based on your specific condition. Some exercises focus on improving range of motion, while others help strengthen supporting muscles for better joint stability. Regular practice of these exercises can significantly reduce clicking, popping, and pain. Dr. Neumeyer will update your exercise regimen as you progress, ensuring continued improvement in your jaw function and comfort.
Stress Management Techniques
Since stress often contributes to TMJ problems, we provide guidance on relaxation techniques to reduce jaw tension. Dr. Neumeyer can help you identify stress triggers that may be worsening your TMJ symptoms and develop effective coping strategies. You’ll learn specific relaxation exercises designed to release tension in the jaw and facial muscles. We may recommend practices such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation specifically focused on jaw relaxation. For some patients, we suggest keeping a “tension diary” to track when symptoms worsen and identify patterns. These techniques complement other treatments and give you tools to manage symptoms independently between appointments.
Bite Adjustment
Sometimes, correcting how your teeth fit together can relieve pressure on the TMJ. Dr. Neumeyer uses precise diagnostic techniques to identify bite issues that may be contributing to your TMJ disorder. This may involve carefully reshaping selected tooth surfaces to create a more balanced bite. The adjustments are typically minor but can make a significant difference in how your jaw functions. This conservative approach can reduce stress on the joint without requiring more invasive treatments. For patients with more significant bite discrepancies, Dr. Neumeyer might recommend additional restorative work to achieve optimal bite alignment. Many patients experience immediate relief after bite adjustment as the jaw no longer needs to shift into uncomfortable positions.
Pain Management
We offer various approaches to manage pain while addressing the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder. Dr. Neumeyer may recommend specific over-the-counter pain relievers that work best for TMJ discomfort, with clear guidelines on appropriate use. For temporary relief, we might suggest applying moist heat or cold packs to the jaw area in specific patterns. Some patients benefit from gentle massage techniques that Dr. Neumeyer can demonstrate for at-home use. We focus on non-addictive approaches to pain management that complement your overall treatment plan. Our goal is to provide immediate comfort while working toward long-term resolution of your TMJ issues.
Each treatment plan is customized to your specific needs after a thorough examination.
TMJ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder or just a temporary jaw pain?
While occasional jaw discomfort is common, persistent pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening your mouth fully are signs that you should see Dr. Neumeyer for an evaluation.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Mild cases might improve with rest and self-care. However, most TMJ issues need professional treatment, especially if symptoms last more than a few weeks.
Are night guards uncomfortable to wear?
Our custom-fitted night guards are designed for your comfort. Most patients adjust to them quickly, and the relief they provide far outweighs any initial adjustment period.
How long does botulinum toxin treatment for TMJ last?
Most patients experience relief for 3-4 months before needing another treatment. Regular treatments often lead to longer-lasting relief over time.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies by provider. Our office team will help you understand your benefits and work to maximize your coverage.
How soon will I feel better after starting treatment?
Many patients notice improvement within days or weeks, though complex cases may take longer. Dr. Neumeyer will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Request An Appointment
Don’t let jaw pain control your life any longer. Dr. Rachel Neumeyer at Revival Dental is ready to help you find relief from TMJ symptoms. Call us today at (504) 264-6013 to schedule your TMJ evaluation, or fill out our online appointment request form. Our friendly team will get back to you promptly to confirm your appointment.
Taking the first step toward jaw pain relief is as simple as a phone call or a few clicks. We look forward to helping you smile comfortably again!