TMJ Therapy

TMJ or temporomandibular joint connects to the mandible (lower jaw) at the temporal bone, which is located at the lower sides of the skull. TMJ controls several jaw functions. It has an important function of opening and closing your mouth, so chewing is a crucial function of this joint. This area is constantly moving from day to day activities. If this area is causing you pain, then you may have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD is commonly caused by stress, continual clenching, or even teeth grinding.

Gentle Dental can help you identify this problem and improve the condition with therapy. There are several symptoms of TMD, which you can see below.

• Pain when opening or closing your mouth
• Trouble with chewing
• Jaw is stuck open or shut
• Frequent headaches or ear pain
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Teeth grinding

These symptoms may also indicate other health problems, so it is important to seek a medical professional’s opinion. Gentle Dental is able to consult you if you believe in having TMD. It is important to get this checked out because the symptoms can cause further issues.

Toothache? Visit a dentist!

Teeth grinding can wear away enamel and expose dentin. If dentin is exposed, then it will wear away faster because it is softer than enamel. Having a higher sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, then you may suffer from teeth grinding. Gentle Dental can help you with short and long term solutions with TMD.

Long and Short Term Solutions

Gentle Dental can diagnose you and provide possible solutions for your symptoms. Painkillers and hot/cold compresses are short term methods for relieving the symptoms. A long term solution requires a mouthguard while you sleep. The mouthguard will keep your teeth from grinding together at night. This is more of a permanent case unless the symptoms continue to persist. If that is the case, then surgery will be required. This is rare because behavioral treatments typically do the job.

If you believe you are suffering from temporomandibular disorder, then do not hesitate to contact us. We will be able to diagnose you and provide solutions to the problem. Contact us by calling (281) 855-1100 or visit our website for more information.