If you’re dealing with tension headaches or pain from joint stress in your jaw, Dr. Jonathan Titus can help. Titus Dentistry offers TMJ treatment and pain relief therapies in Middletown, IN, to help patients sleep better at night and avoid complications from an overstressed jaw.

TMJ symptoms and risk factors

The temporomandibular joints in your jaw, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with ease. Like any joint in the body, stress and other factors can prevent it from working correctly. TMJ disorders may be caused by genetic factors such as arthritis, or chronic stress, or injury. Another crucial factor is the way your jaw fits together when it’s closed. If you have crooked or missing teeth or poor jaw alignment, or if you suffer from bruxism, you’re at a higher risk for TMJ disorders.

TMJ disorders can be challenging to diagnose because of the variety of symptoms that may present. These can include:

• Tension headaches
• Clicking and popping in the jaw
• Neck and ear pain
• Sore or stiff muscles in your shoulder or back
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth 

Treatment for TMD

If you suspect you have issues with your TMJ, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Titus. He will perform a physical exam and take X-rays to look for signs of joint dysfunction to determine if TMJ therapy is the right treatment for you. If Dr. Titus finds issues with your joint, he will form a comprehensive strategy to help you reduce stress to your jaw and develop your facial muscles for better support. Treatment may include physical therapy, orthodontic treatment, restorations for damaged teeth, or a custom-fitted bite splint to wear at night. He may also recommend stress-relieving techniques and changes to your diet and lifestyle. 

Because TMJ disorders have a wide variety of causes, each patient’s treatment may be very different. Dr. Titus strives to provide the most conservative treatment options possible to help patients find relief and avoid surgery wherever possible. To learn more about TMJ therapies, contact our office in Middletown, IN, today at (765) 358-5868 to schedule your consultation.

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