Relieve jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint disorders with specialized treatment.
More than 15% of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain, such as jaw pain, headaches or earaches. The source of these aches and pains may be related to one or both of the temporomandibular (TM) joints. Located on each side of your head, these joints work together with a complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones to enable different movements needed for chewing and speaking.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a variety of conditions that affect TM joints, jaw muscles and facial nerves. TMD may occur when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements.
TMD may be caused by:
Many patients who suffer from TMJ disorders also experience sleep apnea or snoring. The same custom oral appliances used to treat jaw pain can often be adapted to help keep your airway open during sleep.
Stress is thought to be a factor in TMD. Stressful and strenuous physical tasks (such as lifting a heavy object) or stressful situations can aggravate TMD by causing overuse of jaw muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth (also known as bruxism).
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.
There are several treatments for TMD. They may include stress-reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. Treatment may also include orthodontic treatment to correct the bite, if necessary.
Sleep apnea can have serious health implications. Learn how Aspen Dental Care can help diagnose and treat this condition for a better night's sleep and improved overall health.
Learn About Sleep Apnea Treatment