Visit Deeter Dental Group for Diagnosis and Treatment of Tmj/Tmd
- Posted on: Jul 15 2019
Patients who are having problems with their jaw and surrounding muscles may be unsure as to who they can turn to. At Deeter Dental Group, we are here to help patients in the areas of Garrison and Bismarck, ND in achieving better oral health and wellness—while also addressing other oral issues. If patients are experiencing pain, locking, or popping of the jaw joint on one both sides of the mouth, they may have a condition known as TMJ or TMD.
Understanding TMJ/TMD
TMJ is an acronym for “temporomandibular joint.” This refers to the jaw joint that hinges the upper and lower jaw on each sides of the mouth. If this jaw joint, or both, become problematic, a patient may be diagnosed by their doctor with a condition known as TMD, or “temporomandibular joint disorder.” This is a more long-term issue that may need to be addressed with proper treatments to ensure patients are comfortable.
This joint may malfunction for a variety of reasons. Patients who have TMJ/TMD may experience the following symptoms:
- Clicking, popping, and snapping sounds from the jaw joint
- Pain and discomfort on one or both sides of the mouth around the TMJ
- Discomfort radiating as far up as the ears or as far down as the shoulders
- Muscle discomfort around the jaw joints
- Locking of the jaw in the open or closed position
- Discomfort when chewing food
Treatment of TMJ/TMD
Most patients who visit Deeter Dental Group for treatment of their condition will benefit from a solution known as oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy requires patients to use a custom mouth piece that is made to fit around the dental arch to realign the jaw and to reduce tension on the dental arch. Most patients find that this treatment will eliminate the discomfort they experience with this condition. In more severe cases of TMD, patients may require more aggressive solutions such as orthodontic treatment or surgery.
Have you received a diagnosis of TMJ or TMD?
Patients in the areas of Bismarck, ND and Garrison, ND are welcome to visit the practice of Deeter Dental Group to work with our professionals. Our team can educate patients on the treatment options available for TMJ/TMD to improve their overall quality of life. Call our office today to schedule your consultation appointment and initial evaluation to discuss solutions.
Posted in: TMJ/Neuromuscular Dentistry
