Our family dentist at Will Wagner DMD in Tuscaloosa, AL offers a wide range of services and treatment options for patients that suffer from TMD and TMJ.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (the bones which connect to the front of your ear). The joint is responsible for the movement of your jaw. It allows you to talk, chew, yell and even yawn.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) cause problems with the movement of your jaw and the muscles in your face.
Causes of TMD
Injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head or neck (it can even be caused by whiplash)
Constantly grinding or clenching of your teeth
Arthritis
TMD Symptoms
Difficulty in opening your mouth wide open
Jaw gets locked
Clicking, popping or grating sound when you move your jaw
A constant jaw ache
TMD Treatment
Medication: Prescription drugs provide relief for pain caused by TMD. Muscle relaxants help to control and stop jaw grinding, allowing your jaw to heal. Splint Mouth Guard:The purpose of a splint mouth guard is to protect your teeth from constant grinding. We’ll take a mold of your teeth and craft the splint mouth guard at our office. Surgery: We may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatments fail, but such measures are rare.
What You Can Do
If you suspect that you have a temporomandibular disorder, please contact us to schedule a dental appointment. Any jaw pain and aches should not be ignored.
The longer you wait to treat this condition, the more damaged your jaw may become.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It is also different than any other joint in your body, because it moves like a sliding hinge. In fact, it is known as a sliding hinge joint, and when it is inflamed or is out of place, it can cause a unique and painful feeling.
Common TMJ Symptoms Include:
An aching pain in or around your ear
Aching facial pain
Jaw tenderness or pain
Difficulty chewing
You experience a clicking sound when you chew or open your mouth
You experience a joint that locks when you open and close your mouth
What You Can Do
For extreme cases of TMJ, surgery might be needed, but should be viewed as a last resort, after you’ve exhausted all less invasive options. The goal is to treat your TMJ before it becomes severe, so you can avoid surgery. We believe it’s always better to undergo the least invasive treatment first.
If you think you have TMJ/TMD please contact Will Wagner DMD to get started on your TMJ/TMD treatment. Don't wait for symptoms to become severe. Call our Tuscaloosa, AL location today at (205) 759-9588.
