Do you wake up with a sore or stiff jaw? Do you have trouble opening your mouth fully or experience discomfort when eating or speaking? You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD. At Timeless Dental in The Woodlands, Texas, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Call 281-681-3300 today to schedule an examination.
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. The term “TMJ” is often used to describe TMJ disorder (TMD), which occurs when this joint becomes stressed, misaligned, or injured. Several factors can contribute to TMD, including stress, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), arthritis in the TMJ, or trauma to the head, neck, or jaw.
You may be suffering from TMD if you experience frequent jaw or facial pain. Other common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds in the jaw when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide to speak, yawn, or chew
- A jaw that feels “locked” or “stuck”
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears
- Frequent headaches
Our dentist will work with you to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Your treatment plan will depend on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder, and may involve jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, use of mouth or night guards, restorative dental treatments, or jaw surgery.
Call today to learn more about TMJ treatment and schedule your consultation!