Chronic headaches, persistent pain, popping and/or clicking sensations in the jaw, and a variety of other undesirable symptoms may be associated with temporomandibular joint disorder—a condition commonly referred to as TMD or TMJ disorder. Located in the area where the jaw meets the skull, the temporomandibular joint can be the source of extreme orofacial discomfort for many individuals. In severe cases, the pain can even spread into other parts of the body and have a negative impact on one’s overall livelihood. At North Scottsdale Dental Studio, our experienced cosmetic dentist offers several options that can help significantly reduce the irritating symptoms of TMD. By customizing a treatment based on your unique needs, they can help you speak, chew, yawn, and simply live your life with little to no TMJ pain.
What Are the Causes & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is responsible for enabling the lower jaw to move seamlessly up and down and side to side as you complete actions such as chewing, talking, and yawning. TMD can be caused by a number of issues regarding this joint, including an injury, damage to and/or dislocation of the jawbone, excessive tightening or clenching of the jaw muscles, arthritis, and more. When undue stress is placed on the temporomandibular joint, symptoms of TMJ disorder can manifest in the form of:
- Headaches
- Earaches and/or ringing in the ears
- Jaw pain
- Clicking or popping when opening and closing the mouth
- Neck, shoulder, and/or back discomfort
- Dizziness
- Issues with chewing, biting, and/or swallowing
- Numbness in extremities
What to Expect from Treatment
After one of our experienced dentists has assessed your needs and concerns, he will recommend a treatment option that is most appropriate for your specific issue(s). Available techniques at our practice include:
- Medicine
- Customized oral appliances (such as a nightguard)
- Bite-realignment
- Jaw/bite therapy
- Restorative dental care
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to minimize—or even eliminate—TMD symptoms while helping to prevent any further and/or future damage to the temporomandibular joint and jawbone. As with many dental conditions, early and comprehensive treatment is the most effective way to help resolve TMJ disorder.
Contact North Scottsdale Dental Studio
For more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment at our practice, please contact us today.