Dr. Wooten will perform a variety of diagnostic tests before making a definitive diagnosis. If you experience a combination of any of the signs listed below, contact our experienced TMJ dentist for a personalized appointment. For more information on our smile brightening services, call Dr. David R. Wooten today in Baytown. We'll find the perfect smile solution for your individual needs.

A very high percentage of TMJ patients have had orthodontic extractions. With current knowledge, orthodontic treatment can be provided without the extraction of teeth and minimize the chance of having TMJ later in life.

Neuromuscular dentists use special instruments to observe your jaw in its resting position. They can observe how it moves and measure any misalignment in your bite. A process known as electromyography measures the jaw’s muscle function and determines if there is any structural imbalance in the jaw-to-skull relationship.

Patients diagnosed with TMJ problems report many irritating signs, such as jaw soreness, clicking or popping sensations, recurrent headaches, and facial pain. Dr. Rice and Dr. Hayashi will use a series of state-of-the-art muscle and joint analysis equipment to determine where misalignment is occurring. Once the problem is identified, TMJ treatment can be applied to correct the misalignment and attain jaw harmony. Read more about TMJ

We refer to TMJ problems as being like “arthritis in the jaw.” We use this since most people associate arthritis with joint or muscle stiffness and soreness. These are usually the main symptoms of TMJ disorders. The symptoms of TMJ are usually easy to spot, but finding the cause can sometimes be quite complex. In many patients, several different things may contribute to the problem. The confusing aspect of TMJ is that it can cause symptoms in so many different locations.

Yes, we believe there is there is. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems, also known as Craniomandibular Dysfunction, describes a collection of symptoms which result when the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not function correctly. The upper and lower teeth must meet firmly when swallowing. An unstable bite can cause both joint displacement and muscle strain.

In most dental offices, TMJ is diagnosed based on symptoms alone. TMJ is properly diagnosed through using state-of-the-art equipment like tomographic X-rays and computer assisted electro-diagnostic tools. Dr. Wooten's office is fully equipped to diagnose and treat all types of TMJ dysfunction.

The treatment depends precisely on having an accurate diagnosis. It is not a splint for everyone. It could be palliative treatment, occlusal treatment, orthopedic treatment, orthodontic treatment or restorative treatment --- depending upon the exact nature of the problem.

Answer: Yes, TMJ patients may experience some retrusion of the mandible and may develop an open bite if the jaw degenerates severely. Please keep in mind this occurs only in extreme cases. back to top

Answer: Although headaches associated with TMJ and masticatory muscle problems is either a referred type of pain that the patient interprets as a headache or it can be a true muscle contraction (tension) headache. As far as I know, nobody has shown any relation between TMJ Diseases and Disorders and actual migraine headaches. (Response by Dr. Daniel Laskin) back to top

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint and TMD stands for Temporomandibular Dysfunction. The causes for TMD are numerous and patients suffering from TMD or chronic facial pain should consult with a dentist immediately for treatment.

Answer: Cold laser therapy (also known as low level laser therapy) is another of the many scientifically unsupported treatments that have been promoted to patients with chronic pain conditions who are desperately seeking relief.