TMJ Therapy in Hartselle & Priceville, AL
Personalized Relief for Jaw Pain, Tension, and Bite Issues
Chronic jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth fully may point to a common but often overlooked issue — TMJ disorder. At Sittason Family Dentistry, we offer customized TMJ Therapy in Hartselle and Priceville to relieve discomfort, improve jaw function, and protect your long-term oral health.
With advanced diagnostics and proven treatment methods, our team is here to help you find lasting relief from the daily impact of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, or TMD, refers to problems affecting the temporomandibular joint — the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint plays a key role in speaking, chewing, and yawning. When it becomes inflamed, misaligned, or strained, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common causes of TMJ issues include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Bite misalignment
- Arthritis or joint inflammation
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Stress-related muscle tension
Identifying the underlying cause is the first step in designing an effective treatment plan. Our practice combines thorough evaluation and modern imaging to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ disorder presents differently for each person, and symptoms can come and go over time. However, ongoing or worsening discomfort should not be ignored.
You may benefit from TMJ therapy if you experience:
- Frequent jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
- Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
- Headaches, especially near the temples
- Pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, or ears
- Uneven bite or changes in how your teeth fit together
If you're noticing these issues, we recommend scheduling a consultation for proper diagnosis and treatment options. In some cases, TMJ dysfunction can also lead to damage of the teeth and enamel — which may require restorative treatment such as dental crowns to rebuild worn teeth.
Personalized TMJ Treatment Plans
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for TMJ disorder. At Sittason Family Dentistry, we tailor every TMJ therapy plan based on the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and dental history.
Our TMJ treatment options may include:
- Custom occlusal guards to protect teeth and reduce nighttime clenching
- Lifestyle and posture modifications to reduce jaw strain
- Bite analysis and minor adjustments to restore harmony between teeth and joints
- Stress management techniques to address underlying muscle tension
- Coordination with physical therapy or specialists if needed
We also offer Botox® for TMJ therapy as a non-surgical option to relax overactive jaw muscles. This minimally invasive approach has shown success in reducing jaw tension, headaches, and teeth grinding in many patients.
How Botox® Helps with TMJ Dysfunction
Botox is more than a cosmetic treatment — it's a powerful muscle relaxant that can be used therapeutically in dentistry. When injected into the overused muscles of the jaw, Botox temporarily reduces their activity, relieving pain caused by clenching and grinding.
Benefits of Botox for TMJ include:
- Reduced muscle tension and inflammation
- Fewer tension headaches
- Less jaw fatigue and soreness
- Prevention of damage caused by bruxism
Our team is trained in targeted Botox delivery, ensuring that injections are both safe and effective.
The Role of Technology in Diagnosing TMJ
Accurate diagnosis is crucial in managing TMJ-related issues. At Sittason Family Dentistry, we use modern tools to assess your bite and jaw health, including:
- 3D CT scanning for detailed views of the joint structure
- Intra-oral cameras to evaluate wear and damage
- Bite analysis and visual inspection for signs of clenching or imbalance
By combining clinical expertise with advanced imaging, we develop solutions that treat the source of your symptoms — not just the symptoms themselves.
Protecting Your Long-Term Oral Health
Left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can cause more than just daily discomfort. It can lead to:
- Tooth enamel erosion from grinding
- Cracks, chips, or flattening of teeth
- Misalignment of the bite
- Jaw joint damage
- Chronic headaches and facial pain
We take a proactive approach to protect your smile and reduce the risk of long-term complications. In cases of significant damage, we may recommend treatments such as dental crowns or dental implants to restore function and aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Therapy
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
If you have jaw pain, clicking, locking, or frequent headaches, you may have TMJ disorder. A clinical evaluation and imaging at our office can confirm the diagnosis.
Is TMJ therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan, especially for services like Botox. We’ll help you navigate your insurance benefits and offer payment plans to make treatment accessible.
Will a night guard help with TMJ?
Yes, custom night guards can protect your teeth from grinding and reduce stress on the TMJ while you sleep.
Can stress cause TMJ issues?
Yes. Stress is a major factor in jaw tension and clenching. Addressing stress, along with dental therapy, can lead to better symptom control.
How long does TMJ treatment take to work?
Some patients feel relief within a few days, especially with Botox therapy. Others may need ongoing care to manage chronic symptoms. We tailor your treatment plan to your progress and comfort level.
Relieve Jaw Pain with TMJ Therapy
Don’t let chronic jaw discomfort or headaches interfere with your quality of life. Contact Sittason Family Dentistry today to schedule a TMJ evaluation and discover treatment options that work for you. We proudly care for patients in Decatur, Hartselle, Falkville, Somerville, and surrounding communities throughout Morgan County.
Choose whichever location is easiest for you to reach:
Hartselle Office
- Address: 819 Highway 31 NW, Hartselle, AL 35640
- Phone: (256) 773-2233
- Email: contact@sittasondental.com
- Contact our Hartselle location.
Decatur / Priceville Office
- Address: 2941 Point Mallard Pkwy SE, Decatur, AL 35603
- Phone: (256) 274-5750
- Email: priceville@sittasondental.com
- Contact our Decatur location.