TMJ Disorder, or “TMD” for short, is the name for a group of disorders that cause pain in the temporomandibular joint between your lower jaw and your skull. The exact cause of your TMD can be difficult to determine – causes can include arthritis, genetics, stress on the joint, or injury.
TMD symptoms can include chronic facial and jaw pain, headaches, difficulty opening your mouth and swallowing, and a clicking or popping sound when you chew. We diagnose the causes of TMD and provide a variety of treatments to bring relief.
TMD diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of TMD focuses on discovering the root cause of the pain. We’ll examine your overall health and stress level, your teeth and jaw structure, and whether you suffer from nighttime grinding or malocclusion (over or under-bite).
Once we determine the cause, there are a variety of treatments we can use to provide relief from the pain. We may recommend or prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, massage therapy, orthodontic treatment, or stress reduction techniques. Once the system is restored to its normal function the TMD symptoms will usually subside.
If you are suffering from the symptoms of TMD call our office to make an appointment.