What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is a disruptive jaw disorder that affects the muscles, tissues and bones of the jaw joint (TMJ) on either side of your skull. Considering the amount of use our jaw joint gets in talking, eating and yawning, it is no surprise that TMJ pain and dysfunction can bring major disruption to your daily life.
Not only can it be a source of chronic pain and frustration when trying to chew your food, but TMD can also compromise your dental health. In fact, the list of TMD symptoms is quite exhaustive, including the following:
- Tension headaches
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Ear pain or dizziness
- Bite problems
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Frequent jaw locking
Getting Relief
When providing jaw pain relief, it is important to determine the root cause of your condition. This can be done through a careful evaluation and a series of diagnostic tests. There are many causes to TMD, including teeth grinding or clenching, habitual gum chewing, nail biting and jaw injury. At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we will diagnose your specific cause before recommending a customized treatment plan.
Since the leading cause of TMD is nighttime teeth grinding, many of our patients benefit form a custom mouthguard to treat their condition and prevent future symptoms. It may also be necessary for some patients to begin orthodontic correction to realign their bite. Others may need an adjustment in their dental crown or bridge so that they can bite more comfortably.
Does it hurt to yawn in the mornings? Do you avoid apples or nuts due to the tension it causes in your jaw? Don’t live with jaw discomfort. There are a variety of affordable treatment options that can help you avoid the daily disruption of TMD. Carolina Commons Dentistry is dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care using state-of-the-art technique and technology. Call us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced TMJ Dentist who is ready to give you jaw pain relief.