TMJ & TMD Treatment
Do you have a constant aching in your jaw area or difficulty moving your jaw? Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder, commonly called TMJ or TMD, affects millions of people and can be very uncomfortable. This disorder affects the jaw joint and muscles, causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw. At Smiles for Centreville, we offer treatment for TMJ with general dentistry, helping find the cause of the discomfort and giving our patients relief.
TMJ can be caused by many different oral issues. Anything that puts stress or strain on the jaw can be the culprit. Often, misalignment of the teeth or bite is the cause of jaw discomfort. Orthodontic care or replacing missing teeth can help adjust the alignment and relieve the pressure on the jaw joint. Other oral health issues that can lead to TMJ are teeth grinding, jaw clenching or bruxism, which puts immense pressure on the teeth and jaw.
TMJ/TMD symptoms include jaw or facial discomfort. You may also hear a noise when opening or closing your jaw, like a popping or clicking sound. Some people have headaches or earaches, or pain that radiates from the jaw to other areas. In some cases, it can be hard to open your mouth completely due to the dysfunction in the joint.
Jaw pain, facial pain relief!
Treatment for TMJ varies due to the many different causes that contribute to the symptoms. For those who have bruxism or grind their teeth at night, a dental nightguard can alleviate the stress. Those with alignment issues may get a straighter smile and a healthier jaw by using braces or clear aligners. If a missing tooth is causing the misalignment, we have dental implants and other options for replacing missing teeth. Contact our office to schedule an exam and our dental experts will help find the right treatment for your jaw pain.