TMJ/TMD Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in your jaw is what controls the opening and closing of your jaw. Opening and closing your jaw is something everyone does every day, so, understandably, this area can gain a lot of stress. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) are situations where the soft tissues, bone, and teeth can cause inflammation, pain, and dysfunction in the jaw. Here at Lytle Family Dentistry, we offer TMJ treatments along with our other general dentistry services.
Jaw Pain, Facial Pain Relief
The jaw bone can exert extreme amounts of pressure without issue, but if overused can cause TMJ disorder that will cause discomfort in that area. One of the biggest causes of TMJ pain is jaw clenching or bruxism. If you are experiencing TMJ pain from jaw clenching, our office offers TMJ mouth guards to relieve some of the pressure on your jaw. Other possible causes of TMJ disorders are
- Arthritis
- Jaw injuries
- Missing or uneven teeth
- Bite misalignment
- Genetic factors
When it comes to temporomandibular joint disorder, there are several symptoms patients may experience. Here are a few symptoms of TMJ to look out for
- Popping, clicking, or grinding noises when the jaw opens
- Jaw and facial pain
- Some patients experience ear aches or headaches
- Jaw inflammation
- Locking jaw
- Neck pain
If you begin to notice any of these TMJ symptoms we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can diagnose the problem. These symptoms are often associated with TMJ but aren’t always clear signs of a TMD issue.
What is TMJ, and can TMJ be permanently cured? This is a question our patients often bring up when we first introduce them to TMD. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth. Similar to door hinges, these joints can become overused and challenging to open fully. Dr. Justin Crocker provides TMJ/TMD treatments to help relieve the pain you feel when opening and closing your jaw.
TMJ is similar to breaking your bones; the issue can be permanently cured but requires work from both parties. Dr. Justin Crocker will work with each patient individually to create a plan to try and get the pain permanently fixed. Most programs include TMJ exercises.
If you suffer from jaw or facial pain due to TMJ/TMD, our office wants to help you relieve that pain. Call us today to schedule a TMJ consultation so we can get to the bottom of the issue and hopefully create a plan to rid you of that pain.
