TMJ

The temporomandibular joint is a connection between the temporal bone of the skull and the lower jaw. Movement of the jaw results in the interaction of many muscle groups, tendons and cartilage discs. There are many ways this group of bones, joints, and tendons can become dysfunctional. Arthritis, muscle spasm, and displaced cartilage, are just some causes of TMJ dysfunction. A careful examination to determine the cause of your problem is the only way to develop a treatment for your individual symptoms. This diagnosis is made after reviewing the history of your symptoms, an examination of jaws, teeth, neck, posture, and X-rays of jaw joints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to TMJ disorder.

Temporomandibular joint disorder can result in a myriad of symptoms, some not seemingly related to your jaw:

• Headaches

• Earaches

• Clicking/popping in the jaw

• Ringing in the ears

• Vertigo/Dizziness

• Neck and back pain

• Nausea

Treatment may include:

• A clear splint worn on lower teeth to posture your jaw correctly

• Botox injections into key muscle groups

• Orthodontic repositioning of teeth to posture jaw correctly

• Referral to MD specialist in some cases

The complexity of the TMJ is why a simple nightguard will not necessarily fix your problem.

To find out more about treating your TMJ disorder in our office, please call us to make an appointment at 508-430-0505.