Do the letters TMJ mean anything to you? For some patients, they can be a real headache. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area where your lower jaw connects to your skull at what is known as the temporal bone. It’s because of this joint that you can move your jaw for actions such as yawning or chewing. When this joint becomes damaged, you may experience pain when using your jaw normally. Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may suffer from:
- Facial pain or swelling
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Migraines
- Tenderness or pain in the neck and shoulders
- Inability to fully open the jaw
- Bruxism, or the grinding and clenching of the teeth
These symptoms may also be associated with different health problems, so it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional to determine if TMD is the underlying problem. At Swift Creek Dental Center, we’re ready to assess your symptoms and perform a clinical exam.
Prolonged grinding of your teeth due to TMD can wear the enamel off your teeth and expose the dentin layer, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. When the dentin layer is exposed, you may experience increased sensitivity to temperature changes.
Treatment
When you are feeling the pain and discomfort of TMJ/TMD issues, schedule your visit with us to find relief. After our exam and evaluation of your jaw health, we can develop your customized treatment plan. Patients who consistently grind their teeth due to TMD can find success by using a customized mouthguard to protect their teeth.
We can help you find an orthotic that will help balance your bite and take stress off the joint, providing long-term relief of painful TMD symptoms. When your jaw is in the correct position, there is less tension, meaning you can achieve optimal functionality of your jaw without pain.
If you think TMD is causing your symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek consultation from our team at Swift Creek Dental Center in Midlothian. We’ll help you get relief! We’ll assist you in finding the most appropriate treatment option and provide an effective solution to your TMD.