TMJ Treatment Hillsboro

Finally, Find Relief from Jaw Pain!

Man touching the sides of his face, suffering from TMJ disorder

Do you often struggle with jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, or related symptoms? It is possible that you have a condition known as TMJ disorder (TMD). Our Hillsboro dental team wants to help! After we evaluate your case, we can recommend a treatment that is likely to bring powerful relief and help you get back to enjoying your life. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation.

Why Choose Wolfe Dental Hillsboro for TMJ Treatment?

  • Effective, Non-Invasive Treatment Options
  • BOTOX Injections for Fast Pain Relief
  • Friendly & Welcoming Dental Team

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Illustration of human skull, showing TMJ joints

You have two temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are located just in front of your ears. They control movements of your lower jaw. When these joints suffer damage or become inflamed, TMD can be the result. (TMD is sometimes referred to simply as TMJ, but technically, TMJ is part of your body, whereas TMD is a medical condition.) TMD can have man causes, such as stress, injuries, arthritis, improper bite alignment, and more.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Woman sitting at her computer, suffering because of TMD

TMD can cause dozens of symptoms, but the most common include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness, especially near the ears
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Locking of the jaw joint or limited jaw mobility
  • Facial pain or discomfort
  • Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Swelling on the side of the face
  • Reduced ability to open the mouth wide
  • Pain in the neck, shoulders, and back

Types of TMJ Treatment

Dental professional looking at diagram of human skull

There are quite a few different ways to treat TMJ disorder. You may be able to find temporary relief via at-home care, which may involve heat/ice therapy, pain medications, and dietary modifications. For longer-lasting relief, you may need professional care. After we perform a thorough examination, we will have a better understanding of your symptoms and what might be causing them. Then, we may suggest that you get one of the following treatments:

Occlusal Splint

An occlusal splint is a custom oral orthotic that prevents teeth grinding (a common cause of TMD). It can also slightly reposition your lower jaw in a way that helps it and the surrounding muscles to relax. Consistent use of an occlusal splint has the potential to provide long-lasting relief from TMD symptoms.

Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment

TMD is sometimes caused by minor discrepancies in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. We may make some slight modifications to your teeth and/or dental restorations in order to improve the harmony of your bite. In turn, this may quickly and powerfully free you from your TMD.

BOTOX® Injections

While BOTOX is best-known for its cosmetic applications, it is actually an effective TMJ therapy as well! Strategic injections can force the muscles around your jaw joints to relax. This relief of tension can significantly reduce pain. BOTOX is often combined with other therapies to produce the best results.