Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and even clicking or popping sounds. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone. Dr. Christopher Wolberg from Cedarwood Dentistry sheds some light on the subject and discusses the various TMJ treatments available in our Midlothian office.
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What is TMD?
Contrary to popular belief, the correct term for this condition is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), not TMJ. TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint itself, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMD occurs when there’s a problem with this joint or the muscles around it. This can result from excessive strain, such as habitual teeth grinding (bruxism), trauma to the jaw, or even arthritis and displacement of the jaw joint disks.
How We Diagnose TMD
When a patient comes in with jaw pain, the first step is a head and neck exam.
“We can typically feel popping or cracking – sometimes it’s part of the anatomy, but if it’s painful, that’s where the problems lie,” explains Dr. Wolberg. “If you crack or grind your teeth, the jaw might be fatigued.”
Stress management is also a crucial part of the process, as stress can lead to teeth grinding and other behaviors that exacerbate TMD.
TMJ Treatments We Recommend Most
TMJ treatments can vary depending on the specific needs and severity of the disorder.
“We might recommend a warm compress or a mouthguard – especially if they’re grinding at night,” says Dr. Wolberg.
Over-the-counter mouthguards are available, but Dr. Wolberg advises against them.
“They’re not custom-made and the material is a lot softer. Patients start chewing on them and it becomes more of an athletic guard, which can actually make TMD worse.”
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-designed mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly. This is better for overall function and can be cleaned and adjusted as needed.
In addition to mouthguards, there are several other non-invasive TMJ treatments available. These include physical therapy, which includes TMJ exercises to stretch your jaw and strengthen the muscles around your jaw joints, and behavioral changes, such as improving your posture and avoiding chewing on ice.
In severe cases, surgical TMJ treatments may be necessary. These include arthrocentesis, TMJ arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery.
Follow-Up Questions about TMJ Treatments or TMD Diagnoses?
TMD can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dental professional like Dr. Wolberg at Cedarwood Dentistry. He and his team can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to living your life without jaw pain.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today, or call us at 804-379-9375.