Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also referred to as TMD, is a disorder characterized by the malfunctioning of the joint and can be caused due to a misaligned jaw, frequent teeth clenching, or grinding. If this joint becomes damaged or inflamed, you may experience intense jaw muscle pain and other symptoms. To treat these symptoms and the causes of TMJ, our experienced dentist Dr. Rick V. Tran at Manteca Dental Care offers his patients several treatment options that can permanently rearrange the jaw, return muscle balance, and reduce discomfort.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint that binds the lower jaw to the facial structure. If it becomes stressed, damaged, or misaligned, it can cause substantial discomfort to the jaw and other head areas. This is known as a TMJ disorder. It can be a consequence of various factors, including bruxism, physical trauma to the face, or arthritis.
What Are The Symptoms of TMJ?
A TMJ disorder may show the following symptoms:
- Pain when biting or chewing foods
- A stiff or locking jaw joint
- Grinding or popping in the jaw joint
- Frequent headaches
- The inability to open your mouth fully
- Pain in your ears, neck, or should
- Frequent headaches
What Are the Treatment Options for TMJ?
Facial and Jaw Relaxation Exercises
Many people may benefit from physical therapy exercises that ease tension and strengthen the jaw muscles. These exercises can be performed in-office or at your home.
Lifestyle Changes
Specific lifestyle changes can decrease your TMJ discomfort like reducing stress or anxiety, exercising your jawbone daily, consuming smaller bites of food, releasing tension from your neck and head, and getting your existing bruxism condition treated.
Restorative Dental Treatments
Missing teeth or an improper bite may be a cause of TMJ problems. If your smile has been compromised or is not fully functional, you would benefit from orthodontic treatments such as dentures or dental implants.
Nightguard
An oral device can keep the jaw in the correct position to alleviate discomfort and stress. Nightguards will also safeguard the teeth and jawbone while you sleep to prevent the teeth from grinding or clenching.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
A severely poor bite may only be corrected through surgery. Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, readjusts the bite to improve the alignment of the teeth and jawbone. It can also augment the appearance of your facial structure.
If you want more information about TMJ treatments, visit our office, Manteca Dental Care: Rick Van Tran DDS at 1007 S Main St, Manteca, CA 95337. You can also reach us at (209) 823-9218.
