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(972) 848-8953
380 E Bethany Dr Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002
People with TMJ disorder – an issue with the joints that connect the lower jaw to the rest of the skull – may get used to experiencing significant jaw pain on a daily basis. They might even convince themselves that they can live with it. But this is always a mistake; TMJ disorders will only get more severe over time, and they’ll continue to take their toll on your overall quality of life. If you’re tired of suffering from jaw pain every day, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahn at Oak Point Dental to learn about your options.
TMJ is short for “temporomandibular joint”, which is located right in front of your ear on either side of your head. To diagnose problems with this joint, we may take dental X-rays of your jaw so that we can see the underlying problem firsthand. We may also feel your jaw and observe its range of motion when you move your mouth. Once we have a fuller understanding of what’s causing your jaw pain, we can start planning treatment on your behalf.
An oral appliance called an occlusal splint can be used to address TMJ disorder in a few different ways. First, it adjusts the jaw to a more comfortable resting position. This takes some of the pressure off the joint and gives it a chance to rest and recover. Second, it protects the teeth from the effects of bruxism (unconscious grinding and clenching), which is a common risk factor for TMJ disorder. Thanks to these benefits, an occlusal splint can dramatically relieve the pain you’re experiencing.
Do you have a question for Dr. Ahn? Would you like to schedule your next appointment? Our team at Oak Point Dental will be happy to answer your questions and meet your needs however we can when you reach out to our dental office.