Woman clutching jaw in pain

TMJ

If you're experiencing jaw pain or have trouble opening your mouth, you may have an issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If left untreated, a temporomandibular joint disorder can cause chronic headaches and problems with your teeth. See how Dr. Billie Adams at Peak Family Dentistry in Albuquerque, NM, can diagnose your symptoms and provide relief with an oral appliance.

Signs of a TMJ Disorder

Illustration of the TMJ

Everyone has two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the jaw. Your TMJs help open and close your mouth. If your bite becomes misaligned, the cartilage is damaged, or the disc in the temporomandibular joint is eroded, you may develop a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). 

Symptoms of TMD can vary from patient to patient, but often include:

  • Stiffness in the jaw
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
  • Clicking, grinding, or popping when moving your jaw
  • Headaches and vertigo
  • Worn teeth and a misaligned bite
  • Tinnitus, or persistent ringing in one or both ears
  • Locking of your jaw
  • Facial swelling
  • Difficulty chewing

The Benefits of Treating TMJ At Our Albuquerque, NM, Dental Practice 

Pain Relief

TMD often causes headaches, jaw pain, facial pain, and other forms of chronic pain that can interfere with daily life. By treating your temporomandibular disorder, you can ease the pain and discomfort. 

Preserve Dental Health

Clenching and grinding your teeth are symptoms of TMD that can leave patients with poor dental health. If left untreated, TMJ issues can cause tooth misalignment, leading to even more wear and tear. Long-term TMJ disorders can result in the need for extensive dental restoration. 

Improved Quality of Life

Migraines, chronic pain, and a locked jaw can be common with temporomandibular disorders. These conditions can stop you from living life to the fullest. TMJ treatment can relieve these symptoms and greatly improve your quality of life. 

Relieve Jaw Pain
Our Albuquerque, NM, Office is Here For You

Living with headaches and jaw pain can greatly disrupt your quality of life. Long-term, TMJ disorders can lead to multiple oral health issues, requiring extensive dental treatment.

Dr. Adams at Peak Family Dentistry will do everything she can to treat your TMJ disorder without surgery. For many patients, a mouthguard is enough to alleviate TMD symptoms. 

Don't risk your health by delaying treatment. Request a consultation at our Albuquerque office today or call:

(505) 293-2211

Practitioners in office
From relieving temporomandibular joint pain to cosmetic dentistry, our practice strives to bring a smile to patients' faces.

Top Reviews For our Albuquerque, NM, Office

1

Robert Gallegos

2022

Google logo

Had a small emergency. Dr. Adam's Staff got me in quickly. As always Dr. Adams fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. If you are looking for the most professional Dentist and Staff in town Call them!

View on Google
1

Jeff Boyd

2022

Google logo

Great new patient experience with the staff and Dr. Adams. Got in right at my appointment time (no waiting), and they did everything to make my cleaning + exam a pleasurable experience.

View on Google

Treating TMJ Disorder 

Depending on your diagnosis at our Albuquerque, NM, office, Dr. Adams will recommend a corrective treatment that will address your TMJ disorders. Treatment may include:

Oral Appliance

Also called a nightguard or a splint, an oral appliance is a custom-made device that eases jaw pressure and prevents your teeth from touching. This eliminates grinding and clenching whenever the oral appliance is worn. The splint or nightguard also prevents any damage to your teeth, protecting your oral health. 

Ask About Oral Appliances

Orthodontic Treatment

For some patients, correcting a misaligned bite can help your jaw and the muscles that move it function more naturally. Our Albuquerque practice offers clear aligners for patients who qualify. By gently realigning your teeth, you can experience a decrease in headaches and other TMD-related symptoms. 

More About Clear Aligners

Identifying the Source of Your Jaw Pain

It is important to know that experiencing jaw pain does not necessarily mean you have TMD. Other conditions, such as erupting wisdom teeth or an abscess, can also be sources of jaw pain. Dr. Adams can evaluate your jaw in person to determine the source of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. 

Albuquerque Trusts Us for Their Dental Care  More 5-Star Reviews From Our Patients

1

Ira Hertzoff

2022

Google logo

Very organized, extremely competent, and pleasant office and staff. Exceptional attention to education and explanation. Best I have ever had in dental care.

View on Google
1

William Twitchel

2022

Google logo

Everyone was superb, I felt no pressure in regards to suggested course of treatment.Would definitely recommend.

View on Google
Dr. Billie Adams

Dr. Billie Adams

Dr. Billie Adams provides patients with the highest level of care. She is affiliated with several esteemed dental organizations, including:

  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • International Team for Implantology
  • American Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine
  • American Dental Association
  • New Mexico Dental Association
  • Albuquerque District Dental Society
  • SPEAR Study Club
  • Seattle Study Club

Request your consultation by contacting us online or calling us at (505) 293-2211.

Thank you to all of our patients for supporting local business. We appreciate you and look forward to seeing your smiling faces.  

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite