TMJ Treatment – Rio Rancho, NM 

Diagnosis & Treatment

There are several symptoms associated with TMD such as jaw pain, aching pain in or around the ear, difficulty chewing, locking of the jaw joint, and a clicking sound whenever you open your mouth. However, the only way to know for sure whether these symptoms are the result of TMD is to visit our dental office so that we can make a diagnosis. We’ll listen to and feel your jaw, observe the range of motion of your mouth, and take X-rays to identify any underlying problems. The treatment we recommend depends on what the underlying source of your TMD is.

Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustments

Equilibration is the process of selectively removing small amounts of enamel from the surfaces of specific teeth. This is done to ensure that the upper and lower arches of teeth come together properly when you close your mouth. Teeth that don’t come together the way they’re supposed to can end up putting more stress than necessary on the jaw joints; as such, equilibration is often an important step in putting a stop to TMD-related pain for good.

Occlusal Splints

An occlusal splint is a special oral appliance that fits right over the teeth. It adjusts the position of the jaw to give your TMJ a chance to relax, and it protects teeth grinding. There are different kinds of oral splints to choose from; we’ll choose the one that’s right for you based on your own needs, and we will carefully customize it so that it fits comfortably in your mouth.