We often don’t think about how vital just one joint can be in our day-to-day lives. But areas such as the TMJ can affect everything from your jaw and head comfort to your neck and shoulders.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. “Temporo,” or “temporal,” refers to the temple area of the skull. The word “mandibular” refers to the lower jaw. The temporomandibular joint is the area where the skull and jaw meet.
The TMJ is key to opening and closing the mouth. You need this joint to chew, speak, yawn, and even breathe properly. Problems in this joint can cause pain and a wide range of surprising symptoms.
TMJ disorder, or TMD, may be caused by a bad bite, physical trauma, or excess muscle tension. TMD is accompanied by symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Soreness in the jaw
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Pain or fatigue in the face, neck, and shoulders
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Lockjaw
- Ringing in the ears
If you are experiencing headaches or any of the other symptoms listed above, give us a call today. Our dentists can perform an analysis to learn more about your TMJ pain and to determine what steps need to be taken.
Treating TMD at Jordan Landing Dental Care
Dental treatments for TMD include:
- Replacing missing teeth
- Moving the teeth with orthodontic appliances
- Adjusting the bite with dental restorations like crowns
- Filling in gaps between the teeth
- A plastic mouthpiece to prevent clenching or grinding
- Surgery to repair a damaged joint
- Botox injections to relax the muscles around the TMJ
Your bite, or the way your jaw sits, is usually what is causing your TMJ pain. If we can change the bite, we reduce the excess strain on the surrounding muscles. If we can get the jaw joints to function efficiently, your symptoms should disappear. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. The best treatment for you will depend on your symptoms, your smile, and your jaw. The only way to tackle TMJ disorder is with an experienced professional.
Schedule Your Appointment to Get Rid of Your TMJ Pain
To schedule your free consultation, call our office today. We will help you get out of pain as quickly as possible!
