Jaw & TMJ Treatment
What is the temporomandibular joint?
Located right in front of your ears on either side of your head is a special joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It is called the temporomandibular joint and is often referred to as the TMJ. The TMJ is important to many of your daily functions, such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. When the TMJ is healthy, the jaw glides smoothly and without pain. However, there are certain factors, such as stress, teeth grinding, and dental trauma, that can cause damage to the TMJ. When the TMJ is damaged or injured, chewing and speaking can become painful.
Do I have a TMJ disorder?
Many common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Pain when chewing or speaking
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Grinding, clicking, or popping noises when moving your jaw
- Earaches
- Difficulty in opening your mouth wide
How is TMJ disorder treated?
There are many types of treatments for TMJ disorders, and our dental team will work together with you to determine what best fits your needs. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and custom-made mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding and shift the jaw into a more correct position. To learn more about these and other treatments, we invite you to contact our dental office today.
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