If you’re living with chronic jaw discomfort, headaches, or a clicking sound when you chew, you could be experiencing symptoms of TMJ or TMD. These conditions, which are related to the temporomandibular joint, can quietly wear on your comfort and quality of life.
The good news? Surgery isn’t the only solution. At the family-first dental office of Dr. Patrick Stuckey in Ruston, LA, we offer effective, non-invasive treatments that focus on long-term relief and personalized care for every patient.
Understanding TMJ and TMD: What It Really Means
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed, misaligned, or stressed, this leads to a condition referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
This can happen due to lots of different factors including teeth grinding, an uneven bite, chronic tension, or even direct trauma to the jaw. A few common signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening and closing mouth
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Difficulty chewing or a locking jaw
These symptoms can come and go and may vary in intensity over time, too. However, without treatment, they tend to get worse over time. That’s why early intervention matters.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options That Really Work
At Patrick Stuckey, DDS, we prioritize the health and comfort of our patients by offering personalized, non-surgical solutions to TMJ and TMD pain. Dr. Stuckey carefully evaluates the underlying cause of your jaw pain and tailors a treatment plan designed to ease your discomfort with minimal disruption to your daily life. Non-surgical options may include:
- Custom oral appliances that gently realign your jaw during sleep
- Stress-reduction techniques to minimize teeth grinding
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles
- Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants, as needed
With a relationship-based approach, you'll never feel rushed or like just another case. Dr. Stuckey takes the time to listen and craft a solution that works for you and your lifestyle.
Why Personalized Care Matters for TMJ and TMD Treatment
No two patients experience TMJ issues in the same way. That’s why a one-size-fits-all treatment plan just won’t do. Dr. Stuckey’s commitment to personalized, relationship-based care means your treatment is guided by your unique symptoms, history, and comfort level.
Our approach is more than just clinical. It's compassionate, too.
We take time to explain each step of your care plan and encourage open communication so you always feel informed and confident. From young adults managing stress-induced grinding to older patients facing long-term bite issues, we adapt care to support every stage of life.
Find Relief from TMJ in Ruston
When you walk through our Ruston office doors, we want you to feel both safe and cared for. That’s why we've invested in modern dental technologies, such as digital x-rays and impressions that allow us to evaluate your TMJ with greater precision and comfort.
Jaw pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. If you’re tired of living with discomfort or worried your symptoms are getting worse, contact Patrick Stuckey, DDS to explore non-surgical options that truly work. Call us at (318) 255-8648 to schedule your consultation and take your first step toward lasting relief and a healthier smile.
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