Treatment of TMD/TMJ

What is TMD/TMJ?

Occlusion is the way your teeth come together and work against each other when you speak, eat, and grind your teeth under tension. Jaw muscle pain may be the result of occlusal (bite) problems. The repeated stress of tooth interferences and/or abnormal jaw activity such as nighttime teeth grinding can manifest itself in mild to severe tooth wear, cracked or broken teeth (especially around older silver fillings), loose teeth, jaw pain, ear pain, headaches, and neck pain.

The term commonly associated with these signs and symptoms is TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (also known as TMJ). Your local Smile Design dentist wants to help you.

Your occlusion is determined by the size, shape, and position of your teeth in opposition to each other and the way your muscles and jaw joints accommodate any present tooth interferences. Tooth interferences are not normal or desired, yet they are prevalent in most people, ranging from minimal to severe. Most people’s bodies adjust to their unique occlusion as they develop and grow, but some bites are so out of alignment that orthodontics and other treatments are needed to adjust the bite and relieve pain.

Are you experiencing jaw pain?

If you are experiencing jaw pain it could be from the pressure that grinding or clenching your teeth puts on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It could be because a new crown or other change in your teeth prevents your teeth from coming together evenly and is forcing your jaw into an uncomfortable position. Other causes of jaw pain could be the dislocation of the ball and socket, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis found in the TMJ. At Smile Design Dentistry, we have jaw pain specialists, ready to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions that are optimal for your situation.

Let us help you with TMD/TMJ diagnosis and therapeutic treatment that gets results.

When you visit a local dentist at Smile Design Dentistry, you’ll receive the attentive, personalized care you need. We’ll sit down with you to explain your necessary treatment, and we’ll work hard to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout your treatment. TMD/TMJ therapies have helped thousands of our patients. Treatments include bite splint relaxation, custom occlusal guards for nighttime bruxism prevention and protection, orthodontic treatment, and minor modification of the occlusal surfaces of your teeth and dental restorations. Oftentimes, a quick correction can be made, providing immediate relief.

Don’t suffer pain or risk damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Give Smile Design Dentistry a call today!