Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJD) is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is situated in front of the ear on each side of your head. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the point of connection between the lower jaw and the skull. The TM joint acts like a sliding hinge, which allows for the jaw to open and close easily. The TM joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, and because of its location, it is subject to many pathological processes that may cause pain and dysfunction. The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary from person to person. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder may include:

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD or TMJ syndrome, is a painful condition that affects the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are located on either side of the head just in front of the ears. These joints are responsible for allowing the mouth to open and close smoothly and painlessly as you speak and eat. TMD is often caused by bruxism, or the grinding of teeth while sleeping. It can also be caused by a misaligned bite and/or missing teeth that can cause the TMJ to become inflamed. Other causes include trauma to the face as well as arthritis. Common symptoms of TMD include pain, headaches, earaches, lockjaw, dizziness, swelling around the one or both ears and difficulty opening and closing the mouth due to the limited range of motion at the TMJ.

If you suspect you might have TMD, make an appointment with your dental care provider right away. He or she will diagnose you based on an exam and a medical history of your symptoms and will provide treatment to alleviate your pain and get you back to feeling your best. Treatment for TMD often includes wearing a mouth guard at night to protect your teeth and reduce the effects of clenching and grinding. You may also receive physical therapy, medication or injections to help reduce your inflammation and ease your pain. If the cause of the TMD is due to a misaligned bite, your dental care professional may recommend one or more restorative dentistry treatments such as dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, braces or orthodontic treatments. It is important to seek treatment for TMD as soon as possible to avoid more long-term damage such as additional tooth loss, gum disease, changes in facial appearance and more. For more information regarding TMD, contact your dental care provider today to schedule a consultation! _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright 2018 Dr. Jennifer L Myers DD

Symptoms of TMD

The jaw joint is very complex, and there are many things that can cause pain in this area. Some common symptoms of TMD include the following:

- Jaw locking or clicking

- Headaches

- Facial pain

- Earaches

- Neck aches

- Teeth grinding (Bruxism)

- Changes in bite

- Difficulty chewing food

- Pain when opening your mouth wide

- Soreness around the your ears

- Popping sounds when you open your mouth

- Muscle spasms

- Stiffness in your neck and face

- Numbness and tingling in your face

- Problems with opening and closing your jaw

- Uneven teeth wear

- Loss of sleep due to pain

- Bad mood

There are many solutions available for TMD. Your dentist can help you pinpoint the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatment for you. Common treatments for TMD include mouthguards, medications, and in severe cases surgery. Any of these treatments can help you find relief from your symptoms.

Night guards are widely prescribed for patients who grind their teeth at night. These are small plastic “shields” that fit over your teeth and prevent you from clenching your jaw together while you sleep. Mouthgaurds prevent the wear and tear of your teeth that bruxism causes and help protect the joints and muscles in your jaw. Many patients find this a great solution for their problem.

Splints are also a common treatment for TMJ issues. These look like mouthguards and are worn during the day to prevent clenching the jaw. Our dentists will take a mold of your teeth in order to create the splint

How to treat TMJ disorder?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should visit your dentist immediately. The dentist will evaluate your jaw and bite alignment and prescribe solutions such as a night guard or mouth guard. A customized mouth guard will help protect your teeth from clenching and grinding at night. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend injections of anti-inflammatories such as steroids to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Some patients may need to undergo orthodontic treatments to correct their bite alignment and reduce strain on the joints. These procedures include braces or Invisalign®.

Dr. Ghorbani provides quality dental care to patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Larchmont, Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Universal City, and all surrounding communities in California. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghorbani, please call (310) 276-0111 or email us at info@drghorbani.com today!

By Dr. Ghazaleh A. Ghorbani|May 15th, 2019|Dental Health|Comments Off on What is TMJ Disorder? Symptom & Treatment of TMJ Disorder. Custom Night Guards Can Help Reduce Pain & Inflammation

Night guards or splints can help TMD

A night guard is a device worn in the mouth that is used to protect the teeth from grinding and the jaw joints from clenching. If you grind your teeth at night, you should wear a custom oral appliance that will protect your teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching. A splint can relieve the tension in your jaw muscles and help relax your jaw joint. It can also prevent the wear and tear on your teeth caused by bruxism.

Bruxism is commonly known as nighttime teeth grinding. It can cause significant damage to your teeth and jaws over time if left untreated. Wearing a night guard can help you protect your teeth from damage and prevent any further damage to your mouth.

If you think you may be suffering from jaw pain or other symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact our office to schedule an appointment! We will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend the next steps of treatment. -What Is TMJ Disorder? article source: by Sherman Oaks Dental Arts @SmilesofLA_Orthodontics Used under creative commons license. All rights reserved to the author.

Author Bio: Dr. Damon Richards earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2007. His practice specializes in cosmetic dentistry, dental implant restorations, Invisalign braces, sedation dentistry and more. He can be reached for more information through his website.

We are always accepting new patients and would be happy to see you soon! Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at our dentist office in West Hollywood. 310