SERVICES
TULSA
TMJ Treatment
Feel like yourself again.
TMJ treatment at Élan, because your day shouldn’t revolve around jaw pain.
Causes of temporomandibular joint disorders
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are the two small joints that connect your lower jaw to your temporal bone, located just in front of the ears. These small joints are what allow your jaw to move when you speak, chew, smile, or yawn. When these joints (or the muscles around them) become strained, inflamed, or irritated, it is considered a TMJ disorder. This can occur from excessive chewing forces, teeth grinding (bruxism), trauma, stress, arthritis, and bite-related issues.
Signs of TMD or other jaw disorders
The signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can range from mild to severe, but patients most commonly report jaw soreness or ear pain. Some patients experience chronic, constant TMJ symptoms, while other patients only have a temporary flare-up after overuse or injury.
Common symptoms of TMD:
- Jaw soreness or stiffness
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Jaw locking
- Teeth grinding
- Tight facial muscles
- Headaches
- Worn teeth
- Ear pain
How is TMD treated?
TMJ treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and at Élan, Dr. Meghan Hodges uncovers the root cause behind your jaw pain. For patients who grind or clench their teeth at night, an occlusal guard or night guard can alleviate pain from bruxism. Botox treatment can be used to relax overactive jaw muscles, bite adjustments can help patients who suffer from uneven chewing surfaces, and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding gum chewing, applying warm compresses, and using specific exercises to target the jaw joint are all beneficial TMJ therapy options.
Restore TMJ Comfort and Function
Schedule your consultation at élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry
About Élan & Dr. Meghan Hodges
Dr. Meghan Hodges combines advanced dental training with a comprehensive approach to TMJ therapy. By first uncovering the factors contributing to jaw pain, Dr. Hodges provides focused, personalized jaw pain treatment options for patients in Tulsa. At Élan, every treatment plan begins with thoroughly understanding your unique symptoms and oral health goals—experience the difference.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMJ a lifelong condition?
TMJ disorders are not always permanent. By addressing the underlying cause, TMJ treatment can be highly effective at eliminating jaw pain altogether. Patients who experience chronic TMD due to trauma, severe clenching, and arthritis, may require long-term jaw pain management, but can significantly improve symptoms with proper care and bite stabilization.
What is jaw pain from TMD triggered by?
Your jaw is one of the hardest-working joints in your body. Naturally, you eat, speak, yawn, smile, and clench your teeth every day, often involuntarily. Temporary jaw pain can be triggered by these natural movements, but particularly stressful life seasons, jaw trauma, overuse, and changes in bite could amplify symptoms and trigger a flare-up.
What should I not do with TMJ?
Patients with jaw pain from TMD should avoid activities that place excessive strain on the jaw joints. This includes eating hard or chewy foods, taking large bites, gum chewing, and nail biting. It is also important to be mindful of small everyday habits, such as resting your chin on your hand or placing unnecessary pressure on the jaw.
Ready to Upgrade your smile?
OUR OFFICE
Our smile makeover patients travel from all over the Tulsa area to see us. Our office sits at 10031 S. Yale Ave., Suite 104, near 101st and Yale in south Tulsa. Also, we are a short drive from Jenks, Bixby, and Broken Arrow. So if you want porcelain veneers in Tulsa, OK, you can reach us easily. Call (918) 528-3330 and we will help you plan your new smile.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
- (918) 528-3330
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Mon – Tues: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wed – Thurs: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Friday: By Appointment Only
