TMJ/TMD
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, or the jaw joint. TMD refers to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. These terms are often used interchangeably, and sometimes even TMJD gets thrown in the mix! Whatever you want to call it, it’s a pain in the neck—and the jaw, and the head, and the teeth! Many factors can contribute, but we can help provide relief!
Causes & contributing factors
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) can be a cause and a symptom of TMD.
- Women in their childbearing years make up 90% of TMD sufferers.
- Misaligned teeth and bite can contribute, as well as physical injury of the joint itself.
What’s poppin’? If it’s your jaw, we feel your pain, and we’re here to help with customized solutions to protect your teeth and stop jaw pain at the source.
TMD Symptoms
We’ve already discussed some of the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. One of the most noticeable signs is chronic jaw pain, which may spread to the teeth, face, head, neck, or even the shoulders. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our body is! Additionally, teeth grinding and clenching are common issues linked to TMJ dysfunction. Over time, these habits can wear down your teeth, potentially requiring dental restorations.
Other symptoms of TMD
- If your teeth have become worn down over time, you may be grinding them down at night.
- If you experience tooth pain without signs of decay or infection, you may be clenching.
- If you have pain or limited mobility when opening your mouth, you may have TMD.
Does your jaw pop, lock, or click when you yawn? The only place popping and locking should happen is on the dance floor.
TMD Treatment
If you’ve read this far, you might be wondering, “So, what’s the solution?” Well, ultimately it depends on precisely what’s causing your TMJ dysfunction, but oftentimes it’s a number of factors. We can give you a proper exam to help us pinpoint the nature of the problem, but the first place we usually start for treatment is a custom nightguard.
Other TMJ/TMD treatments
- If you have a misaligned bite that may be a source of the problem, we can provide comprehensive orthodontic treatments.
- If your top and bottom teeth are making contact prematurely, we can reshape them to minimize the pressure.
- If you have a physical injury to the jaw joint itself, you may require jaw surgery, in which case we will refer you to a trusted oral surgery specialist in our network.
A custom nightguard can help redistribute bite forces, taking the pressure off your poor teeth, and provide a soft cushion to protect them from damage.
Sound familiar?
Contact your Brooklyn dentists at Park Slope Dental Arts today to schedule an exam! The sooner you come see us, the sooner we can get you out of pain and protect your teeth.