What do you know about TMJ/TMD?
Created on April 30, 2020
Patients who have been told by their dentist that they have TMJ/TMD might be unsure as to what it is, what causes it, and what to do about it. Drs. Peck, Velastegui, and Homsi of Taylor Street Dental in Springfield, MA encourage patients to learn more about their condition to understand how it can impact their daily life and what methods are available for treatment. Below are a few of the common questions seen by our team regarding temporomandibular joint disorder:
Q: What is TMJ/TMD?
A: TMJ is an acronym that stand for temporomandibular joint, which is the jaw joint that opens and closes the mouth. TMD is temporomandibular joint disorder, and is a chronic condition that forms due to dysfunction of the jaw joint.
Q: What causes TMJ/TMD?
A: This condition can be caused by bruxism during sleep (also known as clenching and grinding of the teeth), increased levels of stress, arthritis, trauma, or poorly aligned teeth.
Q: What are signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD?
A: Patients who have this condition may notice symptoms including chronic headaches, ear pain, jaw pain, lock jaw, or clicking and popping of the joint when eating. It may occur chronically or irregularly, depending on its severity.
Q: How is TMJ/TMD diagnosed?
A: Most cases of TMJ/TMD can be effectively diagnosed during an evaluation with the dentist. This includes x-rays and other imaging solutions to determine the exact source of the problem to provide effective treatment recommendations.
Q: What can be done to treat TMJ/TMD?
A: This condition may be treated in many different ways. Some patients may use muscle relaxers to reduce tension in the joint, combined with stress-reduction exercises, a change in diet, and the use of OTC medications for minor discomfort. Some patients with more severe cases may be better suited for orthodontic treatment or the use of oral appliances.
Request a visit today!
Receiving a diagnosis of TMJ/TMD may be confusing for some patients, but with the help of our dental team at Taylor Street Dental, most patients can find an effective solution that works for them! Contact Drs. Peck, Velastegui, and Homsi of Springfield, MA by calling (413) 781-7645 and visiting at 41 Taylor Street on the fourth floor.
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