What Is TMJ/TMD?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affects millions of Americans and is caused by stress placed on your temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jaw to the bones near your ears, called temporal bones.
TMD can be caused by stress, by grinding your teeth, or clenching your jaw. Many people suffer from TMD and are not even aware of it.
Symptoms of TMD
If you experience clicking or popping in your jaw coupled with headaches or other types of facial pain, you may have TMD. Because your jaw muscles are negatively affected, you may also experience neck pain. Your teeth may be more sensitive, or you may have ringing in your ears. Some people have difficulty opening and closing their mouths.
These symptoms recur and can worsen over time. If you are experiencing even one or two of these symptoms, your ability to concentrate and lead a normal life may be affected. We know this can be a painful and frustrating condition. Our dentists are here to help diagnose and treat your TMD.
Diagnosing Your TMD
Drs. Coulon and Watts are very thorough in diagnosing your TMD. We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine what is causing your pain and the best remedy for it. We will examine your head, neck, jaw, and mouth. This examination helps us determine whether your jaw is properly aligned.
We use the latest innovations in dental technology to help ensure a proper diagnosis. We also have a discussion with you to understand your daily experiences with this condition. Once we ascertain the cause of your TMD, we can then consult with you to design a treatment plan that effectively addresses the root of your pain— not just the symptoms.
Treatment Options
There are many different ways to treat TMD and our dentists, Dr. Coulon and Dr. Watts, want to find the right one for you.
We may teach you stretches, fit you with a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding, or recommend surgery in some cases. We work to realign your TMJ joint, so that you see diminishing symptoms.
We may even recommend a combination of treatments, depending on the causes and experiences of your TMD. Using a mouth guard or splint in concert with physical therapy can do wonders for your condition. We want to help improve your quality of life by treating your disorder.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw or any of the symptoms described above, please give us a call. We are here to help you improve both your dental health as well as your overall wellness.
