TMJ and Bruxism in Knoxville, TN

Do you have sensitive teeth or wake up with headaches? You may have issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). TMJ disorders (TMD) affect millions of Americans and are often more common in women. These disorders can cause pain and affect your quality of life.

TMJ disorders prevent patients from fully opening their mouths, which makes dental hygiene and exams more challenging. Untreated symptoms of TMD and bruxism can put your oral health at risk. Fortunately, Dr. Holt is highly experienced in providing personalized dental care, including TMJ and bruxism treatment. 

Do you suffer from TMD or bruxism? Please call us to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Holt. During your appointment, Dr. Holt will recommend the best treatment for your needs. 

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders 

TMD affects the jaw joints and surrounding ligaments and muscles.

Symptoms can vary per person, but some common symptoms include the following: woman in pain holding her cheeks

  • Lockjaw
  • Jaw pain 
  • Neck, facial, and shoulder pain 
  • Headaches, earaches, and migraines 
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth 
  • Worn teeth 
  • Popping or clicking in your jaw joints
  • Unable to fully open or close your mouth
  • A misaligned bite 
  • Tooth sensitivity 
  • Tinnitus 

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

Jaw problems can be caused by trauma, accidents, injuries, and conditions like arthritis. How your teeth come together (occlusion) plays a role in TMD and can cause dysfunction of the jaw joints. 

How Are TMJ Disorders Treated?

Dr. Holt provides treatment depending on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment can include splint therapy, muscle relaxers, surgery, neuromuscular treatments, and more. Most cases of TMJ can be treated without invasive methods, but severe cases may necessitate surgery. 

TMD and Bruxism Treatment in Knoxville, TN

Bruxism is excessively grinding or clenching your teeth and commonly occurs during sleep. While bruxism is common, symptoms can be severe. Common bruxism symptoms are:

  • Worn teeth 
  • Tooth sensitivity 
  • Headaches 

At Dental Co. of Knoxville, treatment for TMD and bruxism involves custom-made nightguards or oral appliances to protect your teeth and jaws from damage and strain. Our custom nightguards reposition the jaws to facilitate relaxation and reduce stress. Unlike generic nightguards, a custom-fitted one fits your mouth’s unique contours and properly aligns your jaw. Dr. Holt can also offer advice on gentle stretching and relaxation exercises you can do at home. 

Risk Factors Associated with TMD 

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing TMD, such as: oral appliance

  • Jaw injury
  • Tobacco use and alcohol consumption
  • Long-term chronic clenching or grinding of your teeth 
  • Various types of arthritis 
  • Certain autoimmune diseases
  • Fibromyalgia 
  • Certain connective tissue diseases
  • Stress or stress-related habits like biting your lip or fingernails

Dr. Holt can help you relieve your symptoms and help you reduce your risks. 

Contact Dr. Holt for TMD and Bruxism Treatment in Knoxville 

Dr. Holt provides gentle TMJ therapy and bruxism relief at our Knoxville dental office. If you have dental wear or your bite is misaligned, we can also offer tooth restoration due to bruxism-related wear and Invisalign to correct your bite and reduce TMJ or bruxism symptoms.