TMJ/TMD Treatment

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, a hinge-like bone that connects your jaw to your skull. A TMD or temporomandibular disorder can cause severe pain and discomfort and interfere with your ability to speak and eat. Luckily, the diagnosis is fairly simple and the treatment effective.

Symptoms and Causes of TMJ/TMD

TMJ disorders can result from high stress, teeth grinding, arthritis, or trauma to the jaw, neck, or head. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include:

  • Jaw pain when chewing or biting.
  • Pain in the facial muscles.
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw when speaking or eating.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth either to chew, yawn, or speak.
  • Locked jaw.
  • Regular headaches.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, come into our office. We’ll take a series of X-rays to determine if TMD is a concern, then get you on the right path to recovery.

Treatment for TMJ/TMD

Most of the time, we recommend mouth guards for clients suffering from TMD. These guards help mitigate jaw clenching and teeth grinding so the temporomandibular joint is put under less pressure.

If you do have TMD, we’ll make sure to take the treatment route best suited to your needs and medical history.

Some over-the-counter drugs like pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants may help with TMJ/TMD. If teeth grinding is an issue, it may also be prudent to examine stressors in your life and be mindful of your daily stress levels.

Other home remedies for jaw pain relief include massaging, stretching, and hot or cold compresses. All in all, do whatever you can to take stress off your jaw and facial muscles.

It’s Time to Stop Living With Jaw Pain

A TMD/TMJ disorder doesn’t need to be a life sentence. With the right treatment, you can enjoy life free of headaches and facial pain. Call our office to schedule your consultation and get started!