Give Your Jaws a Rest
Your jaw joint is an essential part of your oral health system and can cause a lot more problems than you may realize. Thankfully, our dentists can help protect your teeth and alleviate the chronic pain that’s causing you grief.
A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw. It can manifest in your jaw and radiate pain into your face, head, neck, and shoulders. If you suffer from chronic headaches, migraines, or neck and shoulder pain, believe it or not, it might be a symptom of TMD.
There are many potential causes of TMD, and the treatment will depend on the nature of the cause. Sometimes TMD can be brought on or exacerbated by stress and teeth grinding. Women in their childbearing years are much more likely to suffer from TMD than men.
In most cases, TMD is caused by a combination of factors that may include injuries, trauma to the joint itself or diseases like arthritis. Head and neck tension can be both a contributing factor and a symptom of TMD.
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, or the jaw joint. TMD is short for temporomandibular joint disorder and is used to describe any condition affecting the jaw joint. Just to make things confusing, these two terms are often used interchangeably!
Your TMJ is one of the most complex joints in your body and is made up of a system of nerves and ligaments that connect your jawbone to your skull. This joint can rotate and move in all directions, allowing you to speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Any action performed by your mouth requires the help of your TMJ.
If you have any problems with the muscles, bones, or other tissues that make up and surround the jaw joint, you may have TMD.
What’s the solution?
Your individual treatment plan will depend on the severity of your case as well as the cause. First, you will sit down with your dentist for a comprehensive consultation to determine the nature of the problem. Then, together, we will come up with a treatment plan that works for you.
Misaligned Teeth & Bite Problems
If your TMD is the result of misaligned teeth or problems with your bite, your dentist may be able to correct the problem with some adjustments involving orthodontics or restorative dental services. Correcting bite or tooth misalignment will often eliminate chronic pain and tension, and relieve the TMD symptoms that have been causing you grief.
Teeth Grinding & Clenching
If your TMD is due to teeth grinding and clenching, we can fit you for a custom mouthguard or night guard to wear during sleep. These simple devices provide a soft cushion that protects teeth from wear and allows your jaw to rest and heal overnight while you sleep. Whatever the cause of your TMJ, a mouthguard or night guard can be a fantastic solution.
Joint Injuries & Severe Cases
If your TMD stems from an injury or malady in the joint itself, surgery may be required to correct the problem. Severe cases of TMD may also require jaw surgery to correct damage, but the end results can be worthwhile. Imagine a life where you can eat, speak, and yawn comfortably, and wake up each morning pain-free and ready to take on the new day!