TMJ/TMD Treatment

Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ is it’s more commonly known, is a complex sliding hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull on both sides.

Your TMJ is what enables you to move your jaw side to side and up and down so that you can talk, chew, yawn, etc. However, sometimes temporomandibular disorders or TMD, which are problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it, may occur.

TMD Causes

There are a number of issues that can cause TMD. The most common cause is subconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth, which normally occurs while you sleep or are under a lot of stress.

Some other causes of TMD can include:

- Arthritis in the joint

- Jaw joint disc out of place

- Swelling inside the joint

- Poor posture muscle strain

- Joint inflammation or strain

TMD Symptoms

Common symptoms of TMD include:

- Jaw pain

- Clicking jaw joint

- Jaw stiffness

- Stuck jaw, open or closed

- Clenching or grinding teeth

- Pain in cheeks and temples

TMD Treatment

Currently, 1 in 8 American adults are affected by TMD. And this number may be low due to undiagnosed cases. Luckily, it can be treated. Here at Family & Implant Dentistry of Stuart, our experienced dentists can recommend a conservative treatment plan based on your individual needs. We can help relieve TMD pain, reduce stiffness, and increase function. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.