TMJ Temporomandibular joint disorder, also referred to as TMD, is often one of the misunderstood conditions and affects people in different ways. The condition can present an array of symptoms, most of which may not appear to be directly related to misalignment of the jaw. If you are having consistent headaches or migraines, earaches, tooth pain, sleep disorder, or back pain, they could be related to a problem in the mouth. Our dentist at Wildhorse Dental can offer TMJ treatment and correct bad bites. The treatment depends on what is triggering the symptoms of TMJ. What is TMJ?The short form for the temporomandibular joint is TMJ. These joints are situated on either side of the face, in the region within the front of your ears. TMJ connects the bottom jawbone to your skull. The joint helps with movements such as chewing. What is TMD?TMD is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint disorder. It refers to the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which often happens when the muscles, as well as ligaments within the areas of the jaw joint, are irritated or inflamed. TMJ can result in acute or chronic pain. The pain may be severe or mild. Symptoms and CausesMany things can cause temporomandibular joint disorder and the most common is an injury to the joints and the tissues around them. Injury to the jaw or muscles and joints of the neck and head arising from something like a heavy blow or whiplash can cause TMD. Other possible causes are grinding and clenching teeth, arthritis in the TMJ, stress, and dislocation of the joint ball and socket. When you have TMD, you may show symptoms such as pain and tenderness within your face, neck, shoulders, and jaw joint areas. The pain may also be felt around the ears, especially when you speak or chew. You may experience problems when you open your mouth wide. Besides, your jaws may get stuck, in what is known as a lockjaw. The locking can occur when the mouth is open or closed. Popping, clicking, or grading sounds within the jaw joint as you open and close the mouth or chew, are other symptoms. A suddenly uncomfortable bite, trouble chewing, and swelling on the sides of the face can also occur. How a Dentist Can HelpThere is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating TMD. Our dentist will first determine why you are experiencing pain. Mouthguards can be offered to help take away the pressure caused by grinding or biting if these are determined to be the cause. Relieving the tension can help reduce pain. Our dentist may also administer painkillers to deal with the pain. If arthritis is a culprit, our dentist may suggest getting a steroid injection that helps reduce swelling. In patients with severe and persistent TMD issues, our dentist works closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in order to develop a treatment plan. Surgery may be an option, an arthrocentesis procedure to wash out the joint, or arthroscopy and open-joint surgery that serve to reposition or repair problems with the jaw joint. If you have issues with the temporomandibular joint, visit our dental team at Wildhorse Dental for an examination. Contact us at 636-537-0447 to book your appointment. |
Office HoursMonday: 8:00am-5:00pm Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Wednesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Thursday: 7:30am-3:00pm Fri‑Sun: Closed |
