TMJ and TMD Therapy
Problems that involve the jaw and face muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders. Often called TMJ or TMD, the condition is painful and causes headaches and severe discomfort in the face, neck and head. Houlik Family Dentistry provides personalized treatment plans with non-invasive therapies for patients suffering from TMD.
The Anatomy of TMD
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. Located in front of your ear, the joint moves your jaw up and down and side to side. This allows you to talk, chew and open your mouth wide to yawn.
Caused by problems with either the joint or the muscles, TMD is known to come and go over a lifetime for sometimes unexplainable reasons. Injury to your jaw or the muscles of your head and neck can lead to TMD. Whiplash and blows to the head are other causes. Most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40, TMD can occur on one or both sides of the face.
Recognize the Symptoms of TMD
Grinding your teeth is often a sign of more serious problems. Sometimes stress-induced, grinding your teeth puts pressure on the joint. Jaws that pop, stick or swell should be examined for TMD. Clenched jaws tighten muscles and damage the skeletal structure of the head and neck.
Effective treatments exist for TMD. Schedule a consultation with Houlik Family Dentistry to relieve TMD pain. Following a thorough exam, Dr. Houlik will recommend non-invasive treatments and therapy options.