TMD Therapy in Wilmington, NC
Relief for Jaw Pain, Clicking, and Muscle Tension
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often causing pain, stiffness, popping sounds, and even headaches. At Burns Family Dentistry, we offer customized TMD therapy in Wilmington, NC, to diagnose and treat the root causes of jaw discomfort.
TMD can develop from teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, injury, arthritis, or chronic clenching. Without treatment, it may lead to worsening symptoms and reduced quality of life. Our team uses a patient-centered approach to evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that relieves pain and restores healthy function.
What Is TMD?
TMD refers to a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles responsible for movement and function. These disorders can lead to pain, dysfunction, and other symptoms that interfere with daily activities like eating and speaking.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
- Headaches or earaches
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Muscle soreness in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Locking of the jaw
Our dentists diagnose TMD through a combination of physical examination, digital imaging, and patient history to determine the underlying causes.
Our Approach to TMD Therapy
At Burns Family Dentistry, we take a conservative, non-surgical approach to treating TMD. Depending on the severity and nature of your symptoms, we may recommend:
- Custom nightguards or occlusal splints: Designed to prevent clenching and bruxism, these appliances reduce stress on the jaw joint during sleep.
- Botox therapy: Targeted Botox for TMD helps relax overactive jaw muscles that contribute to pain and tension.
- Bite adjustments: Minor reshaping of the biting surfaces can improve how your teeth align and reduce jaw strain.
- Lifestyle guidance: We may suggest techniques to minimize jaw stress, such as avoiding gum chewing, practicing stress reduction, or adjusting posture.
If needed, we may refer you to a specialist for advanced imaging or physical therapy, depending on the complexity of your case.
Is TMD Therapy Right for You?
You may benefit from TMD therapy if you regularly experience:
- Jaw pain when chewing or talking
- Frequent headaches or facial tension
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Limited jaw movement
- Pain that worsens during stress or after waking up
Many patients don’t realize that TMD is the cause of their discomfort until it’s diagnosed during a routine exam. Our team at Burns Family Dentistry is trained to identify subtle signs and provide early intervention before symptoms worsen.
FAQs About TMD Therapy in Wilmington
- Can TMD go away on its own?: Mild cases may improve with rest or stress reduction, but chronic TMD often requires professional treatment to prevent worsening.
- Is Botox safe for TMD treatment?: Yes, Botox is a safe and effective option to relax jaw muscles and reduce pain when administered by experienced providers.
- What if I also grind my teeth at night?: We may recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and reduce pressure on your jaw while you sleep.
- Does dental insurance cover TMD therapy?: Coverage varies. We’ll review your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Schedule a TMD Evaluation Today
If you're experiencing jaw pain, tension headaches, or clicking in your jaw, don’t ignore the symptoms. Early intervention with TMD therapy can protect your teeth, relieve pain, and restore natural jaw function.
Contact Burns Family Dentistry to schedule your evaluation. We proudly serve Wilmington, Ogden, Wrightsville Beach, and surrounding communities.
