TMJ Disorders

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. Symptoms such as pain or a "clicking" of your jaw joints may be a sign that your jaw joints and chewing muscles are not working together correctly. These problems are now more easily diagnosed and treated, than they were in the past. Early detection and treatment of such disorders may help prevent more serious conditions in the future.

Treatment of TMJ Disorders is multi-faceted and complex. Each patient's treatment is tailored to his or her presenting signs and symptoms.

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Trouble with Your Jaw?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. Clenching or grinding of your teeth, tightening of your jaw muscles, and increased stress on the TMJ may all contribute to pain in your TMJ. Damage to the jaw joint may also occur due to injury or disease. Injury and disease can affect various aspects of the joint, including the muscles, ligaments and cartilage within the joint.

Signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include any one of the following:

• CLENCHING OR GRINDING OF TEETH.
• SORE AND STIFF MUSCLES AROUND THE JAWS, ESPECIALLY WHEN AWAKENING IN THE MORNING.
• CLICKING, POPPING, GRATING OR LOCKING OF THE JAW JOINT.
• DIFFICULTY OR PAIN IN OPENING YOUR MOUTH.
• ARTHIRITIS

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, it is recommended that you be evaluated by one of our doctors to determine whether a TMJ disorder does exist.

Treatment

Various treatment options exist to help improve the harmony and function of your jaw. A complete TMJ disorder evaluation will determine which treatment course will help the patient. The goals of TMJ disorder treatment are to decrease pain and maintain proper function of the jaws. The best ways to help achieve these goals will be discussed by your doctor after a thorough evaluation.