TMD Therapy

TMD/TMJ Dental Treatment

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. That is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull on each side. Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, refers to issues affecting the TMJ and the muscles and soft tissues that surround it. Common TMD symptoms include:

Jaw pain
Clicking jaw joint
Jaw stiffness
Stuck jaw, open or closed
Clenching or grinding teeth
Pain in cheeks and temples

Causes of TMD

There are several issues that can cause TMD. The most common is subconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. This usually occurs during sleep or when under high amounts of stress. Patients with this type of TMD may find that their symptoms vary depending on their level of stress. Other causes of TMD can include:

Jaw joint disc out of place
Osteoarthritis damage to joint
Swelling inside the joint
Poor posture muscle strain
Joint inflammation or strain

Diagnosing TMD/TMJ at Our Dental Office

During your visit, our team will take a detailed dental and medical history. Tell us about any symptoms or injuries to the TMJ area. Be sure to notify us of any chronic illnesses or medications you are taking.

Next, Dr. Alvarado will perform a comprehensive exam of your head and neck. We will look carefully at the jaw muscles and joints. We may recommend a screening X-ray to rule out other issues. At this point, we can recommend an initial treatment plan in most cases.

TMD/TMJ Treatment at All Smiles Dental

Dr. Alvarado will recommend a conservative treatment plan based on your individual needs. We can help relieve TMD pain, reduce stiffness, and increase function.

If you have experienced symptoms that may be TMD, contact All Smiles Dental for a consultation.

No Insurance?

Our team is very responsive. If we do not return your email immediately, please know that we may have not received it. For important matters, please call our office. E-mail is never a fully secure form of communication. If you prefer to share protected personal information, you may choose to contact us by phone.