Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) refers to problems with the jaw, the jaw joint (TMJ), and the surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. TMJ or TMD is an umbrella term that covers both acute and chronic pain in the jaw, teeth, face, head, neck, shoulders, and back.
Symptoms Of TMJ and TMD
Any one or more of the following symptoms can indicate TMD. If you are experiencing any of them, call us today to schedule a time for a TMJ diagnosis.
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the TMJ area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
What happens if TMD/TMJ is not treated?
TMD pain can unexpectedly escalate in a short period of time. Many untreated TMJ patients show premature wear from grinding teeth. Some TMJ patients favor one side over the other, which causes teeth to wear unevenly. It can also cause asymmetrical muscle tone in the jaw. At Designer Smiles, we can help alleviate your TMD symptoms.
TMJ Treatment That Works
Generally, the first step for treatment is to measure the most relaxed position of your jaw in order to find its normal position. We will recommend an appliance to help alleviate muscle pain and to prevent further wear of your teeth. We will provide options that are best suited for your case.
You deserve much-needed relief from TMD. At Designer Smiles, we’ll strive to find a treatment that will alleviate your TMD symptoms. If you’d like to learn more about how TMD treatment can help you, give us a call today. We work with patients from all over the Fargo area, from Moorhead to West Fargo.
