Mauldin TMJ/TMD Treatment

What is TMJ/TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMJ/TMD for short, is a dysfunction of the delicate “temporomandibular joint.” This joint connects the skull to the jaw, and it’s located beneath each of your ears.
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If this joint becomes damaged by oral trauma, inflamed due to overuse, or is otherwise not functioning properly, TMJ/TMD is the result. If your jaw hurts for no reason, something’s wrong, and you need to see a dentist like Drs. Michael and Meagan Crosland in Greenville right away. TMJ/TMD is a common cause of jaw pain, and can lead to serious oral health complications if you don’t seek treatment. Contact us now to get the help you need from Indigo Dental.

Did you know…

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the body part. TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is the disorder.

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What to Expect - The Signs of TMJ/TMD

Jaw Pain & Soreness

Your jaw may hurt and feel sore, and you may even feel radiating pain that causes a headache. The area will feel stiff and inflamed.

Difficulty Chewing & Eating

If you have TMJ/TMD, you may have trouble chewing properly and may feel pain and tenderness when eating. Your jaw may even make clicking or popping noises, or become temporarily locked in place when you move it. You may also have problems opening your mouth completely.

Jaw popping or clicking

If your jaw pops or clicks when you move it in a certain way, particularly if you open your mouth very widely, this may indicate TMD.

headaches and earaches

Since the temporomandibular joint is located right beneath the ear, pain and discomfort from TMD can cause serious headaches and earaches, and may even cause dizziness in severe cases.

Jaw "locking" or limited movement

If you have problems opening or closing your mouth or your jaw “locks” at a certain position, this is likely due to TMD or another serious jaw disorder.

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options

Splint or Oral Appliance

Dr. Meagan or Dr. Michael may create a bite splint for you to treat your TMJ/TMD. This appliance will be worn at night and looks similar to a nightguard. Your splint can help prevent teeth grinding, a common cause of TMJ/TMD, and also shifts your jaw joints to a healthy position to encourage healing.

Lifestyle changes

Things like eating soft foods, avoiding gum chewing, and taking other similar steps can help reduce the effects of TMJ/TMD caused by jaw strain and overuse.

Physical Therapy

Jaw stretches, regular application of heat and cold, and other such steps can help resolve TMJ/TMD and provide you with pain relief.

Medications

If lifestyle changes and a TMD night guard or bite splint are not enough for you to heal and recover, certain medications may also be prescribed to help with your recovery, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even certain steroids that help with inflammation.

Did you know…

TMD pain can extend to the neck, ear, face, upper back, and shoulders. It can also cause migraines.

Interested in exploring TMJ/TMD treatment?

(864) 565-8684

Have questions about TMJ/TMD? Find answers here.

What Happens if i leave tmj/tmd untreated?

If you have minor TMJ/TMD issues, it’s possible that the issue will go away on its own. But this is not usually the case. Typically, TMJ/TMD will only get worse the longer you avoid treatment. Your jaw joints will continue to function improperly, causing more pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Eventually, you may even experience permanent damage to the jaw joint. This is why it’s very important to get an oral exam and TMJ/TMD assessment from Dr. Michael or Dr. Meagan Crosland at Indigo Dental if you believe you are suffering from this condition.