TMJ & TMD

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints located in front of the ear on either side of the jaw. Often, disorders of the TMJ, referred to as TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction), can lead to a myriad of symptoms including:

• Discomfort when biting or chewing
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Pain, aching, or tenderness in the jaw or face
• Headache, earache, or migraine
• Shoulder and neck pain
• Popping or clicking sound when opening the mouth
• Grating sound when moving the jaw
• Loss of hearing

There are many causes of TMJ symptoms and it is important to determine the cause so a viable treatment can be administered. Arthritis resulting from teeth grinding while sleeping is a primary cause of TMJ. A displaced disc between the jawbone and socket causing a popping or clicking sound can be another. This will limit the ability to open and close the mouth. Trauma to the TMJ can restrict jaw movement altogether!

Treatment for the less severe causes of TMJ can range from anti-inflammatory drugs and bite plates, to other non-surgical solutions. For the more complex TMJ issues, a surgical procedure may be to only way to resolve the problem.

Here in our Palo Alto dental office, we offer General & Family Dentistry services, Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Implants, Invisalign and Orthodontics, Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns, Teeth Whitening, and a wide variety of other dentistry services. Please call our Palo Alto dental office at 650.327.7525 or send an email to APPT@PaloAltoDentistry.com to find out more about our staff and services.

If you're located in the San Jose area, and are in need of dentistry services, please visit our San Jose dental office website at: www.SerenityDentistry.com or call 408.999.0444.

If you're in the Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel area and need dental services, please visit our website at: www.CreekViewDentistry.com or call 831.688.6531.