Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often referred to as TMD, can cause significant pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This complex condition can affect your ability to eat, speak, yawn, and even sleep soundly.
Fortunately, here at The Dome MedDental Clinic, our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Dr. Philippe Chanavaz and Dr. Pierre Bouletreau offer a variety of treatment options to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance your quality of life.
The TMJ is a hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint needs some fluid to facilitate the hinging movement of both jaws so that they can function as a well-oiled machine. There are two of these joints on either side of the jaw and they are made up of muscles, bones, and nerves.
When this complex system of muscles, bones, nerves, and fluid is disrupted, it can lead to chronic pain and dysfunction, not only in the jaw but also radiating to the ears, cheeks, head, neck, and shoulders.
Our dental experts at The Dome MedDental Clinic will personalize
your treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis and needs.
This may include:
No, they are not the same. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder, refers to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
A qualified dental professional, typically an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon or a TMJ Specialist, will diagnose TMD. This involves a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and facial muscles, along with diagnostic imaging like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
Eating softer foods, applying hot or cold packs, OTC pain medications, and doing some jaw exercises prescribed for this condition will help you relieve the pain and symptoms.
Common signs of TMD include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw, limited jaw movement, facial pain, headaches, earaches, neck and shoulder pain, and difficulty chewing. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit one of our TMJ Specialists at The Dome MedDental Clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
While not all cases of TMD can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by avoiding clenching or grinding your teeth, managing stress through relaxation techniques or professional help, and maintaining good oral hygiene with regular dental checkups.