If you’re struggling with chronic jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you could be dealing with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Dr. William Hays offers personalized TMD therapy in Waxhaw to relieve discomfort, restore function, and protect your long-term oral health. With a commitment to clinical excellence, you’ll receive care that’s truly centered on you.
Relieve Chronic Jaw Pain and Tension
TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that affects the hinge-like joints connecting your jaw to your skull. These play a crucial role in everyday actions like speaking, chewing, and yawning. When the joint becomes misaligned or strained, often due to clenching, grinding, arthritis, or injury, it can cause pain, limited movement, and clicking sounds. TMD can also affect surrounding muscles and tissues, leading to tension headaches or ear discomfort. Without treatment, it can gradually worsen and impact your oral function.
Signs & Symptoms Indicating You May Need TMD Therapy:
- Persistent jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Earaches or a sense of fullness in the ears
- Pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, or face
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth from clenching or grinding
- Sensitivity in the teeth without dental cause
Advantages of TMD Therapy:
- Alleviates chronic jaw pain and tension
- Reduces frequency and intensity of headaches
- Prevents damage from teeth grinding or clenching
- Enhances comfort when chewing, speaking, or yawning
- Minimizes strain on facial and neck muscles
- Protects teeth from excessive wear and fractures
- Promotes long-term joint stability and oral health
- Customizable to your specific symptoms and needs
Common Procedures Included in TMD Therapy
Occlusal Splint Therapy
One of the most effective non-invasive treatments for TMD is occlusal splint therapy. This involves wearing a custom-made nightguard, often while sleeping, to prevent clenching and grinding that strain the jaw joint. Dr. Hays uses high-precision digital impressions to fabricate a splint that fits your mouth perfectly. The appliance gently repositions your jaw into a more relaxed state, reduces inflammation in the TMJ, and promotes muscle relaxation.
Bite Adjustment (Equilibration)
If your bite is uneven or certain teeth make contact before others, it can place stress on your jaw joint. Bite adjustment is a technique in which Dr. Hays reshapes small areas of your enamel to distribute bite forces evenly. This enhances how your teeth fit together, minimizes joint overload, and promotes a more balanced movement of the jaw. It’s a conservative yet highly effective approach to reducing TMD symptoms and preventing long-term damage.
BOTOX® for Muscle Relaxation
Botox can play a therapeutic role in managing TMD when excessive muscle activity is causing pain or dysfunction. Administered in precise doses by Dr. Hays, Botox is injected into the jaw muscles responsible for clenching, grinding, or tension headaches. The medication temporarily blocks nerve signals, allowing the muscles to relax and recover. Most patients experience relief within a few days, with the final effects lasting three to six months.
Restorative Dental Treatments
When issues like worn, missing, or misaligned teeth contribute to your TMD, restorative dentistry can help correct the underlying problem. Dr. Hays may use crowns to rebuild worn teeth, bridges to replace missing teeth, or Invisalign to align your bite. These treatments restore functional harmony between your teeth and jaw joints, improving not only your oral health and appearance but also reducing joint strain.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Hays
Dr. William Hays is dedicated to providing thoughtful, relationship-centered care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term wellness. At Hays Dentistry, you’ll never feel rushed or dismissed; Dr. Hays takes the time to understand your symptoms, explain your options, and create a plan that works for you. If you’re struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or bite discomfort, schedule your personalized consultation for TMD therapy in Waxhaw, NC, today.
