Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) happen when there is stress or damage to the joints connecting your skull and jawbone. This bite disorder can cause jaw pain, headaches, and wear on your teeth. Dr. Bassam Abazid offers TMJ treatment in San Antonio, TX, to help make your daily life more comfortable.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) act like sliding hinges, allowing you to bite and chew. If you have TMD, you might also harm the disc that cushions the jaw joint. Damage to this cartilage can affect your mouth, face, and even upper body.
Understanding TMJ and TMD
To understand your symptoms, it helps to distinguish between the joint itself and the medical condition.
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TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. You have two of these joints, located on either side of your face just in front of your ears. They connect your lower jaw (the mandible) to the temporal bone of your skull. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in your body; it functions as both a hinge and a sliding mechanism, allowing your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and backward and forward so you can chew, speak, and swallow smoothly.
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TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorders. This is the formal medical term for the collective group of structural and muscular issues that occur when the jaw joints, muscles, and connecting ligaments do not work together properly.
A frequent driver of TMD is bruxism, the medical term for habitual teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Many people experience bruxism unconsciously during sleep or during high-stress periods throughout the day.
While occasional grinding causes minimal wear, chronic bruxism places heavy, repetitive pressure on the jaw assembly. Over time, this sustained strain can displace or degrade the protective cartilage disc that cushions the jaw joint. When this natural shock absorber is compromised, it triggers inflammation and muscle spasms that radiate outward, causing pain throughout your face, head, and neck.
Signs of TMJ Disorders
Because the jaw joint is connected to your overall cranial structure, TMD symptoms can impact several areas. Common signs of a TMJ disorder include:
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Frequent morning headaches or tension in the temples
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Persistent jaw pain, tenderness, or difficulty opening your mouth wide
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A noticeable popping, clicking, or grating sound when chewing
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Earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or mild hearing issues
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Accelerated wear on your teeth, including flattened edges or fractures
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Bleeding gums or localized tooth sensitivity from constant pressure
TMD can be triggered or worsened by stress, poor sleep quality, high caffeine intake, physical jaw injuries, or arthritis.
Treatments for TMJ
Dr. Abazid provides specific treatment plans designed to relieve your symptoms and correct the underlying structural issues.
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-fit TMJ night guard protects your smile. This appliance fits over your teeth while you sleep, acting as a barrier that absorbs the force of clenching, relieves pressure on your jaw joints, and prevents premature tooth wear.
Bite Equilibration & Realignment
An uneven bite or crooked teeth can force your jaw to compensate every time you close your mouth, placing uneven stress on the joint. We offer clear braces to align your teeth and balance your bite, removing the structural pressure from your jaw.
Physical Therapy and Supportive Care
To help your jaw muscles heal, we often recommend targeted physical therapy. This includes specialized jaw stretches, massage, and alternating hot and cold compresses. When necessary, temporary prescriptions for muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories help break the cycle of painful muscle spasms.
Advanced Care Coordination
For severe, complex cases where conservative methods do not provide full relief, Dr. Abazid works with oral surgeons. While advanced interventions like steroid injections or joint repair surgery are restricted to a last resort, we ensure you have access to the necessary specialist care.
Schedule an appointment today
📞 Call Us: 726-222-3307 or 💻 Request an Appointment Online
- Open five-days a week
- Get a same-day appointment
- Dental insurances accepted (CignaDental, DentaQuest, MCNADental, Aetna, TMHP and also CareCredit)
- Stress-Free Parking
If you think you might have a TMJ disorder, contact us to address jaw pain and headaches.
We serve patients from Oakmont Downs, Elm Creek, Leon Valley, and nearby areas. Let us know if you have any questions about TMJ treatment. We’re here to help you find the right solution.