The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to move your jaw for talking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become irritated or dysfunctional, it leads to TMJ disorder—a condition characterized by jaw pain, clicking sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, headaches, and sometimes ear pain.

Non-Surgical TMJ Treatments

Most TMJ disorders can be managed without surgery through conservative methods:

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help ease inflammation and discomfort. In some cases, best TMJ specialist in Houston TX muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches designed by a physical therapist can strengthen jaw muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Techniques like ultrasound therapy or heat/cold packs also help.
• Occlusal Appliances (Splints or Night Guards): Best TMJ specialist in Houston TX Custom-made mouthpieces worn over the teeth can prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and relieve pressure on the TMJ, especially during sleep.
• Stress Management: Since stress can worsen TMJ symptoms by causing jaw clenching or muscle tension, therapies such as counseling, biofeedback, or relaxation exercises may be beneficial.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief, a specialist may recommend minimally invasive options:

• Trigger Point Injections or Botox: Injections into tight jaw muscles can reduce muscle spasms and pain.
• Arthrocentesis: This is a simple procedure for best TMJ specialist in Houston TX where fluid is flushed through the joint to remove debris and reduce inflammation.

Surgical Options

Surgery is usually the last resort and considered only when all other treatments fail, best TMJ specialist in Houston TX and the disorder severely impacts quality of life:

• Arthroscopy: A small camera is inserted into the joint to diagnose and sometimes treat problems.
• Open Joint Surgery: In rare cases, surgeons may repair or replace damaged joint structures.

Choosing the Right Treatment

TMJ treatment is personalized. A specialist will evaluate your symptoms, perform imaging studies if necessary, and best TMJ specialist in Houston TX design a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early intervention often prevents worsening symptoms and promotes faster recovery.