TMJ disorder is a common condition in our society. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) estimates that 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder at any given time. The discomfort ranges from chronic headaches to low back pain to tingling in the hands and fingers.
At Liberty Hill Dental, Dr. Thad Gillespie offers tailored treatment to eliminate TMJ-related distress. He understands the detrimental effects the condition can have on your life, and he’ll partner with you to put an end to the pain.
TMJ: An Overview
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ for short, reside in front of your ears at the base of your jaw. When functioning properly, these joints enable your jaw to move smoothly and comfortably. When the muscles and nerves surrounding these joints experience overstimulation brought on by teeth grinding, physical or emotional stress, or trauma, discomfort erupts.
Do I have TMJ disorder?
You may if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A jaw that clicks or pops
- Inability to fully open or close your mouth
- Chronic headaches, including migraines
- Pain in the lower back
- Tingling fingers
- Discomfort in the shoulder, neck, jaw, or face
- Earaches
How does Dr. Gillespie remedy TMJ pain?
Following a thorough evaluation to discover the source of your discomfort, Dr. Gillespie will tailor a treatment plan for your specific needs. Many of our patients experience a return to comfortable TMJ function with an oral appliance called NTI-tss (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition tension suppression system.
FDA approved to treat migraines, the NTI-tss device is a small, acrylic mouthpiece worn at night. It fits comfortably between your teeth and holds your jaw in its optimal resting position to alleviate stress on muscles, nerves, and the TMJ joints.
Dr. Gillespie will customize your device specifically for your needs and monitor your progress throughout treatment for a return to healthy, comfortable function.
Call Liberty Hill Dental today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Gillespie and experience a healthy, pain-free smile.
