The TMJ (temporomandibular joints) are the complex network of jaw muscles, ligaments, and jaw bone joints which allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, swallow, and talk. These joints are ball and socket mechanisms with discs in between which facilitates the gliding action allowing you to open your mouth smoothly.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Sometimes this mechanism can become compromised, as the result of a number of conditions. TMJ disorders affect millions of Americans, causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- Head, neck, jaw, and/or facial pain
- Trouble chewing
- Restricted jaw movement
- Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing your mouth
- Tooth wear (caused by night grinding, known as nocturnal bruxism)
- Earaches
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, there may be an issue going on which you should have addressed as soon as possible by consulting a reliable dentist in Turlock. Our office can provide non-surgical TMJ treatments designed to correct the root of the problem, rather than just masking the symptoms with medication.
So, what can cause TMJ syndrome (also known as TMD – temporomandibular disorder)? There are several possibilities:
- Jaw or tooth misalignment
- Injury
- Jaw dislocation
- Stress and/or grinding
- Arthritis
Any one of these problems can disrupt normal jaw function, creating a need for TMJ treatment.
Treatment Options
If you’re looking for TMJ treatment in Turlock, our friendly, experienced staff can provide you with customized, non-surgical options to relieve your discomfort. While some dentists simply prescribe pain medication, we believe in addressing the cause of TMJ through treatments like bite splint therapy to realign the jaw. Other potentially helpful treatments can include special exercises, temporarily eating softer foods, applying heat packs, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Today’s fast-paced lifestyle means more stress, which means more and more people are experiencing jaw health issues. You need a Turlock dentist you can rely on to help you correct the problem so you can get back to normal and enjoy your life to the fullest, pain free.
Contact Eggleston Dental Care in Turlock for TMJ Treatment Information
If you’re experiencing the pain and discomfort associated with TMD, contact us today Eggleston Dental Care at 209-634-9582. Our friendly team will be happy to provide you with more information on your treatment options, and work with you to create the best possible care plan.
