TMJ TreatmentYour mouth is made up of many working parts. The temporomandibular joints, which are located on each side of your face where the mandible connects to your skull, work together with the attached bones, muscles, and ligaments to allow you to open and close your mouth as well as move the jaw from side to side. If the joints become irritated, the functions of your joints can be significantly affected. You may find it difficult, if not impossible, to move your mouth at all. If your temporomandibular joints are causing you issues, Kelly Smile Dentistry can help. TMJ DisorderTMJ disorder is a blanket term that describes some different issues that affect the temporomandibular joints, commonly called the TMJ. These issues can also affect the jaw, as well as the attached muscles and ligaments. These issues cause irritation and inflammation, which can make even basic movements of your mouth both painful and difficult. Joint pain is typically the most obvious sign that there is something wrong with your TMJ, including:
What Causes TMJ Disorder?There are several different things that can cause TMJ disorder.
How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?To provide you with the best treatment for your TMJ disorder, we first need to diagnose the cause. This is done with a thorough oral exam. We look over your teeth and your jaws, assessing wear patterns on the teeth as well as assessing any alignment issues. In addition to a visual exam, we also take images of your mouth so that we can take a closer look at the hidden areas of your mouth, including your jaw bone, your ligaments, and the joints. Once we can determine the cause of your TMJ disorder, we can then recommend treatment options. ![]() Treatment Options for TMJ DisorderThe treatment options available to you for TMJ disorder will vary based on the cause. Common treatments include:
You do not have to live with TMJ pain and difficulty doing even basic things like eating and speaking. For more information on TMJ disorder, and to learn about your treatment options, call Kelly Smile Dentistry today at (442) 229-0766. Learn More About Specialty Dentistry Services Offered at Kelly Smile Dentistry: |