Most people have never heard of the temporomandibular joint, but they have heard of TMJ. This acronym is associated with the hinge joint that connects the temporal bone of the skull to the lower jaw. Some people have a condition known as TMD, or temporamandibular disorder, which relates to problems of the jaw, jaw joint, and/or surrounding muscles of the face.
If you hear a clicking or popping sound upon opening your mouth, grind your teeth at night, have headaches, experience ear pain, have chewing difficulties, or have a jaw that gets stuck shut or open, there's a good chance that you may be experiencing TMD. Some of these symptoms, like teeth grinding, for example, can be especially problematic because they can lead to tooth enamel erosion and exposed dentin. This means that your teeth will be sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
Luckily, here at Radiance Dental, we have treatment options for TMD. For instance, we can customize a night guard for you to use to prevent or reduce the detrimental effects of your teeth grinding at night. TMD treatment solutions include:
- Night guards
- Physical therapy and jaw exercises
- Lifestyle and behavior counseling
- Corticosteroid injections
- Pain relievers and other medications
- Arthrocentesis
- Surgery to repair or replace a joint
If you think that you may be suffering from TMD, visit our Camas, WA office for an evaluation.
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