While your jaw is a powerful tool, it is composed of delicate components. When one of these components isn’t treated properly, you and your jaw will suffer. Jaw pain can be all consuming, affecting you during every moment of your day and preventing basic activities. If you’re experiencing jaw-related discomfort, it’s time to seek a change.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint allows for your range of jaw movement. When you consider all the directions your jaw is able to move and the force it’s capable of, you realize just how impressive the TMJ is. It is, after all, where your head and jaw connect. Unfortunately, the TMJ is composed of a variety of structures, all of which can be prone to malfunction. Teeth grinding, teeth clenching, malocclusion, a slipped disc in the TMJ, or trauma to the TMJ will all end in jaw pain. Our job is to determine the exact cause of your jaw pain, then determine the best treatment plan.
In the phrase “TMJ disorders,” disorders refer to problems with either the jaw joint, jaw muscle, or other muscles related to the jaw (as with myofascial pain). TMJ disorders can cause not only jaw pain, but also:
- Head pain
- Facial pain
- Ear aches
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Clicking sounds with jaw movement
- Jaw fatigue
- Jaw swelling
If you’ve been experiencing a combination of these symptoms, get in touch with our office for treatment.
TMJ Treatment at Maryland Family Dentistry
Treatment for TMJ problems is varied and personal. Depending on your case, we will recommend one of the following courses of action:
- Replacement of missing teeth
- Orthodontic treatment or another form of bite adjustment (occlusal balancing)
- Night guard / TMJ splint
- Surgery, in extreme cases where the joint has deteriorated
There exists a solution for your jaw pain. We will work tirelessly to find it; just contact our office to begin working toward relief.