TMJ/TMD

Headache caused by TMJ

When you think about dentistry, do you find yourself thinking primarily of care for your teeth and gums? If so, we’d like to expand your focus and tell you about another important part of optimal oral health—a healthy, functional temporomandibular joint.

Your temporomandibular joint, abbreviated as TMJ, is the most used joint in your body. It’s a small joint that connects your mandible (jaw) to your temporal bone (skull), and it’s what allows you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw from side to side without pain or difficulty—as long as it’s not suffering from dysfunction. If your jaw joint has been injured or experienced inflammation due to chronic illness or bruxism (jaw clenching and teeth grinding), you may have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. TMD symptoms can include frequent headaches and migraines, pain when chewing food or speaking, and worn teeth that require restorative dental care.

TMD affects an estimated 10 million Americans.
To feel your jaw joints, place your fingers in front of your ears, then open and close your mouth.
Your TMJ acts as a hinge and facilitates sliding movements.
Because TMD is more common in women than men, scientists are studying whether this is due to hormonal differences.
TMD can be a sign of sleep apnea.

Treating the cause of your
TMD can prevent pain.

When you experience chronic facial and head pain as a result of TMD, it can be easy to fall into a cycle of taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Headaches and migraines are no joke, and the pain can travel through your neck, shoulders, and create problems for your posture, too. Who would have thought such a small joint could create such serious symptoms?

See Infographic

Sometimes the cause of TMD is a misaligned bite—this can be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
If your TMD is due to nighttime bruxism, a nightguard can provide relief.
Nightguards can prevent grinding that wears your enamel down.
Facial massage and lowering stress levels can help ease tension in your face and give your TMJ a break.

Don’t let TMD take your smile.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hawkins today!

(817) 587-8803 Schedule Online

There are a few different ways TMD can be treated, ranging from nightguards to surgery. What if your solution had esthetic benefits?

When you hear the word Botox®, do you think of your dentist? Probably not, but here’s why you might start: Botox has been approved by the FDA for the clinical treatment of chronic pain from TMD. Botox works as a wrinkle smoothing treatment by interrupting the muscle contractions that cause them—these constant muscle contractions could exacerbate your TMJ pain, too.

Botox at the dentist is a quick procedure and can be made more comfortable with an anesthetic.
Experience a dramatic reduction in head and facial pain—and a smoother facial appearance.
Dr. Hawkins trained extensively with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to become a certified provider of Botox.

Why shouldn’t your dental visits feel like a trip to an exclusive spa?

You deserve to feel confident in the beauty of your smile and the features that frame it. If you’d like plumper lips, contoured cheeks, and fewer facial lines, join the club! Your membership can include natural-looking results with the assistance of Juvederm® dermal fillers. Juvederm uses hyaluronic acid, a substance already present in your body, to bring moisture and volume back to your face instantly!

Experience relief and boost your confidence, beautiful!

If you have any questions about TMJ, Botox, or Juvederm, or you’d like to schedule a visit with your Arlington dentist, Dr. Kasey Hawkins of Crown Dentistry, we’d love to hear from you!

(817) 587-8803

1006 N Bowen Rd. Suite 101 Arlington, TX 76012

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Thursday	8 AM - 5 PM
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