TMJ disorders can be painful and affect your quality of life. Many people with TMJ disorders want to seek treatment but are unsure how much it will cost.
In the greater Dallas, TX area, TMJ treatment typically costs between $300 and $10,000, depending on the severity of the disorder and the steps the dentist needs to take to relieve it.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull. There are two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your jaw.
Problems can develop in the jaw joint and the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. All related issues are commonly called TMJ or TMD.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Pain on one or both sides of the jaw
- Pain around the ear
- Pain while chewing
- Facial pain
- Jaw locking
- Clicking or grating sound when chewing or opening the mouth
What Does TMJ Treatment Entail?
Dentists and physicians take many different paths toward addressing TMJ symptoms, making it challenging to arrive at a single price range for treatment.
Non-Invasive Treatments
TMJ Orthotics
Custom-made oral appliances or orthotics for TMJ reduce the stress on the jaw joints. These devices reposition the lower jaw to align better with the TMJ socket. They are also called bite splints. A TMJ orthotic should not only balance the jaw alignment that could be crooked, muscle clenching to a relaxed jaw muscle position but also balance with posture.
Night Guards
The NiteBite Night Guard protects the teeth against clenching and grinding while helping the jaw relax. A night guard is usually flat and does not necessarily change the position of the injured, popping TMJ joint . A night guard is usually made to your same bite. While this may sound normal it is not addressing a correction in TMJ joint, muscles relief and jaw position which would need to occur to provide relief.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps many people with TMJ feel better by assisting them in learning new habits.
Counseling
Some TMJ patients benefit from counseling to reduce stress. Learning how to release trapped energy from prior traumatic events can greatly benefit TMJ, neck and body tension.
Orthodontics
When a patient's tooth and jaw alignment cause TMJ symptoms, orthodontics can help to relieve pain and protect the teeth. Dr. Coats can create an orthodontic treatment plan to address your issues.
Surgical Treatments
In the vast majority of patients, invasive treatments are not necessary. TMJ surgery may be arthroscopic or open-joint.
Crowns and Other Restorations
If you have had TMJ for an extended time, you may develop a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. These habits can damage your teeth, meaning that you will need restorations after your TMJ pain is gone to balance your bite. Crowns done after TMJ treatment are to aid in holding the corrected alignment.
Relieving Your Pain
If you have a TMJ disorder, you know how painful it can be. A skilled dentist like Dr. Coats can help relieve discomfort and allow you to sleep and relax again. You may feel relief with a simple, non-invasive treatment like a splint or night guard. In some cases, you may need more extensive treatment.
Call TMJ Plus
To determine the possible cost of treating your TMJ disorder in Dallas, call our Grapevine, TX, office at 817-481-6888. Our TMJ specialist, Dr. Becky Coats, DDS, will look at the specific factors in your case and create a treatment plan.