TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment in Inglewood
People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth.
One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close and facilitates chewing and speaking.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth.
One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close and facilitates chewing and speaking.
Common Symptoms of TMD
People with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) often have a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing their mouths. Such disorders are often accompanied by:
TMD Severity Levels
TMJ disorders can range from minor discomfort to severe conditions requiring surgical intervention:
Minor Cases
Minor cases of TMD involve discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles. These can often be managed with conservative treatments.
More Serious Conditions
More serious conditions involve improperly aligned joints or dislocated jaws, requiring more intensive treatment approaches.
Extreme Cases
The most extreme form of TMD involves an arthritic condition of the jaw joint. Traumatic injuries also can cause jaw dislocation.
Treatment Options
There are several effective treatments available for TMD, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical intervention when necessary:
Muscle Relaxants
Medications to help relax the jaw muscles and reduce tension and discomfort.
Aspirin
Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage inflammation and discomfort.
Biofeedback
Techniques to help you become aware of and control muscle tension in your jaw.
Oral Appliance
Wearing a small plastic appliance in the mouth during sleep to prevent grinding and reduce stress on the joint.
Surgical Treatment
In cases involving improperly aligned joints, dislocated jaws, or arthritic conditions, jaw surgery may be required to correct the condition. Some jaw surgery can be performed arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive approach that typically results in faster recovery times.
Areas We Service
We proudly provide TMJ disorder diagnosis and treatment to patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area:
Suffering from Jaw Pain or Discomfort?
Schedule your consultation today and get expert TMJ disorder treatment at New Smile Dental.
(310) 674-555524 Hour Emergency Available
New Smile Dental
405 S. La Brea Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90301