TMJ Therapy
Are you suffering from chronic headaches, earaches, or jaw pain? You may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMD disorder.
What is TMD?
Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn.
TMJ disorders cause a misalignment of these jaw joints, which can cause muscles to become stressed, irritating nerves, and lead to symptoms that range from mild to severe.
If you suffer from the symptoms associated with TMJ, schedule an appointment with one of our sleep specialists today to help get relief.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ can cause severe pain and discomfort. Pain can be temporary or last many years. The discomfort might affect one or both sides of your face.
More women than men have it, and it’s most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint, neck, shoulders, around your ears, and when you open your mouth wide
- Popping, clicking, or locking jaw joints
- Chronic earaches, headaches, or migraines
- Low back pain or tingling fingers
- Inability to fully open or close the mouth
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
What causes TMJ Disorder?
It is difficult to determine the exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder. Pain can be due to a combination of factors, such as:
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Genetics
- Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
- Jaw or teeth injury or trauma
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth)
- Poor posture
- Gum chewing
- Some connective tissue disorders
Treatment for TMJ Disorder
For conservative, effective treatment, your dentist can create a custom oral appliance to correct jaw alignment and relieve nagging symptoms. Other options are orthodontics and sometimes surgery. Your dentist will determine whether an oral appliance might relieve your pain if you suffer from TMJ symptoms.
Schedule an appointment with us today to determine if you have TMJ or to discuss oral appliance therapy as a treatment option.