If your jaw joint, or TMJ, has been causing you pain and discomfort when chewing, you may be developing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD. This is very common and can negatively affect your day-to-day life. If you suspect that you have TMD, we can help!
.jpg)
TMD affects about 12% of American adults
Without treatment, TMD can cause serious pain, headaches, and difficulty moving your jaw properly
Dr. Cox is specially trained in TMJ/TMD treatment techniques
We will work with you to determine the cause of your TMD and the best option for treatment
The TMJ is the small joint located just next to each of your ears, and is responsible for connecting your jaw to the skull. It allows you to yawn, bite, chew, and speak comfortably. When this delicate joint becomes damaged or inflamed, this is known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD.Temporomandibular disorders can develop after trauma, or from problems with the fit between the upper and lower teeth, the jaw joint, and the muscles in the face that control chewing and moving the jaw.
The causes of TMD vary, but they most commonly occur due to:
Signs you may have TMD include:
In some cases, lifestyle changes may help resolve minor cases of TMD. Nightguards and oral appliances are also commonly used to help with grinding-induced TMD and can aid in healing. Surgical treatments are typically a last resort, but may be required in the most severe cases.
Night guards help prevent teeth grinding and direct tooth-to-tooth contact, which can put a lot of stress on the temporomandibular joint. If you have TMD as a result of teeth grinding (bruxism), a night guard is usually the best way to prevent damage to your teeth. Come in for a consultation to see if a night guard is right for your case of TMD.
.png)
.png)
.png)
