TMJ stands for Temporomandibular joint, the joints that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. TMD and TMJ will cause pain in your jaw area and you may hear a clicking sound when experiencing TMD or TMJ. This is no cure for these conditions but, diagnosis and treatment is crucial as these issues can lead to more serious oral health conditions.

Symptoms and Causes of TMJ

TMJ and TMD can occur for many different reasons, including frequent teeth clenching or grinding which will cause stress to your TM joints. Arthritis or some other disease or injury can cause tears or misalignment in your jaw which will lead to TMJ or TMD. No matter what causes it, TMJ can bring pain, clicking, stiff jaw muscles, pain when opening your mouth or yawning, frequent neck aches, grinding of your teeth and more.

Treatment of TMJ

There is no complete cure for TMD, but there are treatments that will ease the pain and discomfort. Dr. Michael Yu Yeh and Dr. Lance Stolworthy will work with you to design the best treatment plan for you so you are able ease the pain and stress caused by TMD or TMJ. You may be prescribed pain relievers or steroids to reduce your pain. Your dentist may also suggest at home treatments that you can do such as resting your jaw, applying ice or heat and keeping your teeth apart. Or your dentist may recommend and prescribe appliances to keep your jaw from clenching or moving and to relieve tension, such as night guards, splits or stabilizers.

TMJ and TMD are uncomfortable and frustrating conditions but you are not alone in your pain. There are treatments and solutions that the Port Orchard Dental Excellence can offer you to alleviate your pain and prevent further damage or problems!