The jaw joint contains powerful muscles, tendons and ligaments that operate your mouth. Like any joint in the body, it can become dysfunctional from injury, disease or stress. Also called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw joint can be a source of pain when it is damaged. Our dental team at Southern Oaks Family Dental Care offers TMJ treatment at our dental center in Baton Rouge, LA.
TMJ disorders can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. Damage to the jaw joint from injury or disease can result in pain or dysfunction. Bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching can put stress on the jaw and result in TMJ disorders. Other possible causes of TMJ disorders (TMD) can include bite or teeth misalignment. Some patients with TMD can benefit from orthodontic treatment or fixing dental issues that misalign the teeth. TMJ disorders can also be caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis.
Jaw Pain, Facial Pain Relief!
TMJ disorders can cause painful symptoms and jaw dysfunction for people of all ages. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:
- Facial pain
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Popping, grinding or clicking when opening or closing the jaw
- Locking jaw
- Ear aches
The level of discomfort and dysfunction are different for each patient. Often the symptoms begin mild and increase over time. Finding the right TMJ treatment can provide relief from the pain and other symptoms that come with jaw joint disorders.
Dental Treatments for TMD
Often the solution to TMJ disorders is within the oral cavity. TMJ treatment can involve tooth removal, orthodontics, tooth replacement or repairing damaged teeth. For those with bruxism or a misaligned jaw, a dental nightguard may be recommended to relieve stress on the jaw while sleeping. Our dental team can design a customized mouthguard that is often helpful for those with TMJ disorders.
If you have symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact our dental team at Southern Oaks Family Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, to schedule your appointment. We can provide a thorough dental exam and determine the best TMJ treatment plan to give you jaw pain relief.
