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TMD / TMJ Treatment in Exton
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), or Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), occurs in the jaw joint and muscles, causing significant discomfort.
What is TMJ?
TMJ (or TMJD or TMD) is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. This joint is the pivot point between the jaw and the temporal bones of the skull. The temporal bones are located in front of the ear. Put your fingers under your temples directly in front of your ear and then open and close your mouth. The motion that you feel is the joint. With abuse, injury, or overuse, this joint can become inflamed and will cause pain and stiffness.
What Causes TMD?
TMD may be caused by physical or psychological issues, including:
- Anxiety or stress
- Suppressed anger or frustration
- Malocclusion (misalignment of upper and lower teeth)
- Grinding and clenching of teeth which may lead to tired jaw muscles and tendons
- Poor posture in your neck and shoulders
- Injury to the teeth or jaw
- Complications from a medical condition
What are the Signs and Symptoms of TMD?
- Headaches
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Pain when yawning or chewing
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Pain in or around the ear
What are the treatment options for TMDs?
Once we make a diagnosis, our treatment goal is always to avoid surgery and instead provide non-invasive, therapeutic rehabilitation. This is true for children and adults. Treatment options depend on an individual patient’s condition, needs, and desired results. These options most commonly include non-invasive pain relief measures; and our prescribing customized, positioned orthodontic appliances (not splints) to be worn in the mouth during the day and/or the night for a short term (such as a few months). Some treatment plans involve physical medicine treatments to enhance the healing process and provide pain relief during rehabilitation.
Are there Basic Treatments I can try?
- Apply wet moist heat and cold packs to the irritated areas
- Take medications to reduce pain or inflammation, or to help you relax
- Wear an appliance (occlusal splint or night guard) professionally fitted by a properly trained dentist
- In severe cases, different appliances may be used in treatment for relief
Dental visits with a dentist are vital if you suffer from TMJ. Not only can we help you with the problems of TMJ, but we will also keep your teeth and gums healthy. TMJ may cause you to not be able to take as good care of your teeth because you may not be able to open your mouth as wide (reduced range of motion).
TMD / TMJ Dentist in Exton
If you suffer from TMJ or TMD, it’s best to schedule an appointment with our TMJ dentist for further evaluation. Contact us today at 610-280-7222 or simply request an appointment online![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]