TMJ Treatment An Overview
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw bone to the skull. This joint gives your jaw the ability to move in different directions, allowing you to speak and chew comfortably and without pain. However, when the TMJ is damaged, patients can experience painful, uncomfortable symptoms that may interfere with their daily lives.
A damaged or misaligned TMJ can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). There is no singular direct cause for TMD, but there are a variety of factors that may contribute to the development of TMD. For instance, patients who grind or clench their teeth may develop TMD because they are putting stress on their TMJ. Over time, teeth clenching and grinding can lead to a damaged TMJ, which may cause patients to experience jaw pain and other complications associated with TMD.
Signs of TMJ Disorder
The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder may differ from patient to patient. Most patients don’t realize that their symptoms may be a sign of a complex dental concern. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms, we recommend you visit our office for an evaluation. We can work with you to address your needs and build a personalized TMJ treatment plan.
- Reoccurring headaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain in the jaw
- Worn teeth
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Ear pain
- Feelings of tension in the face, neck, shoulders, and upper back
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
As mentioned, there is no singular cause for TMJ disorder, but there are factors that can contribute to its development. Factors like genetics, teeth grinding, teeth clenching, hormones, or trauma may contribute to TMJ disorder.