The temporomandibular joints, commonly referred to as the TMJ, are the joints and muscles that specifically connect the lower jaw to the rest of your head. These joints make it possible for you to open and close your mouth, enabling you to speak, chew and swallow normally. In certain situations, the TMJ can become injured or misaligned, often causing TMJ disorder. Stress is a common cause of this disorder, among other causes such as bruxism, jaw dislocations, arthritis or trauma sustained to the head or jaw. Signs of TMJ disorder include pain or tension in your mouth while you chew or speak. If you feel you may be struggling with this disorder, we encourage you to visit our dentists for a consultation.

Before providing you with treatment, our dentists can conduct an examination of your mouth using advanced digital X-rays that help detect potential problems with the alignment of your jaw. Your exam will also involve checking the joints in your mouth for clicking, popping or muscle tenderness. Depending on the results of your exam and the severity of your TMJ disorder, treatment may involve jaw relaxation exercises, restorative procedures, mouth guards or jaw surgery.

To learn more about how you can get started on TMJ treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our dentists.