How to Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint plays a crucial role in allowing the jaw to move, whether it’s opening, closing, or chewing. When the TMJ becomes dysfunctional, it can lead to pain and discomfort, affecting daily activities like speaking, eating, and even smiling. At Rose Dental Center, our dentists in Easton specialize in diagnosing and treating TMD to improve your comfort and restore your quality of life.

Common Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, and many of these can overlap with other conditions. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it could indicate a problem with your TMJ:

  • Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears

  • Chronic headaches or migraines

  • Jaw pain or tenderness, particularly in the area near your ear

  • Popping or clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth, especially while chewing

  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth or soreness when doing so

  • Pain that radiates from the jaw into other areas of the face, neck, or shoulders

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, TMD can worsen and affect your overall well-being. Thankfully, our dentists in Easton can help you find the best treatment options for your specific situation.

Treatment Options for TMD

At our office, we understand that each patient’s condition is unique, and we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your needs. Depending on the severity of your TMD, your treatment plan may include:

  1. Orthodontics: If your TMJ issues are related to misaligned teeth or a bite problem, orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners may be recommended to realign your bite and improve the function of your jaw joint.

  2. Mouthguards or Splints: For patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaw (often during sleep), a custom-made mouthguard or splint can be worn to protect your teeth and reduce the strain on your TMJ.

  3. Dental Restorations: If missing or damaged teeth are contributing to your TMD, our dentists in Easton may recommend treatments such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants to restore proper function and alignment to your teeth and jaw.

  4. Jaw Exercises and Physical Therapy: In some cases, exercises to strengthen the muscles around the jaw or physical therapy to reduce tension and inflammation can be highly effective in relieving pain and restoring normal jaw movement.

  5. Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail and the TMJ becomes severely damaged, surgery may be required. This is typically considered a last resort after other options have been explored.

Seeking Relief from TMD

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD, don’t wait to seek treatment. Left untreated, TMD can cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. At Rose Dental Center, our team of dentists in Easton is committed to helping you find the best solution to alleviate your discomfort and restore your jaw’s function.

Contact us today at (610) 923-8340 to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to determine the most effective treatment options for your specific needs.