The temporomandibular joint functions like a sliding hinge, allowing the jaw to move up and down, side to side, forward and backward. TMD refers to disorders affecting this joint and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
Stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), misalignment, arthritis, or trauma can contribute to TMD. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen, leading to chronic pain and further complications.
TMD presents several symptoms that are easy to identify. Common signs include:
These symptoms can interfere with daily life, making it important to seek TMJ/TMD treatment as soon as possible.
Your dentist or doctor will diagnose your TMD by closely examining how your jaw moves, listening for any clicking or popping sounds, and checking for areas of tenderness. They will also assess your muscles for tension and any signs of misalignment.
To get a clearer view of what's happening inside your jaw, they may use X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These tools provide detailed images of the joint, helping confirm the diagnosis and develop the most effective treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore your jaw's function.
There are several causes and risk factors of TMJ/TMD:
If you're suffering from TMD pain, you can relieve your pain and reduce the risk of developing TMJ/TMD with these preventative measures:
There are several treatment options available to help relieve TMJ/TMD symptoms. The approach typically starts with non-invasive treatments that are effective for many people:
If these treatments don't provide enough relief, your dentist may suggest additional options, such as dental adjustments, orthodontics, or steroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery, such as joint replacement, may be needed, but this is typically a last resort. The goal is to find the most effective treatment to restore comfort and improve jaw function.
At Blossom Park Dental Care, we take the time to understand your specific struggles with TMJ/TMD and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Our compassionate team is committed to providing care beyond just addressing symptoms—we focus on helping you truly feel better.
If jaw pain affects your life, don't wait to seek relief. Schedule a consultation with us today, and let us help you regain comfort, mobility, and confidence in your smile!