TMJ Disorder
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the articulating portion of your jaw. This helps in opening and closing the jaw and also during chewing and biting. This is commonly referred to as the “jaw joint”. Like any other movable joints, it is composed of a ligament in between bony structure. This ligament allows immovable bones to move without friction or pain.
The TMJ area is also prone to stress which may cause dysfunction. One most common indicator for a dysfunctional TMJ is a pain in the area. “popping” sounds can also be an indicator but it is not absolute. Talk to a TMJ dentist now to learn more about the condition of your TMJ.
We offer a TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue in the “hinge” of the jaw. Possible problems include swelling and deterioration of the joint tissue or damaged joint tissue, which cushions the jaw bones during the opening and closing movement of the mouth. Common pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary relief for most cases of TMJ dysfunction.
We will often suggest using a mouth guard to relieve teeth grinding. In some cases, we will instruct you to use orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort or redirect the positioning of the TMJ joint. For more serious cases of TMJ pain, we may recommend certain alternate or invasive treatments.
