TMD
Are you experiencing unusual problems with your jaw? You may have a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD.
You have a temporomandibular joint on each side of your face, where they act as a “hinge” that allows your mouth to move and attaches your lower jawbone to your skull. When something goes wrong with these very important joints, you may notice uncomfortable or painful symptoms that affect your ability to bite, chew, or speak.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
Symptoms of TMD may come on slowly or all at once. These can include:
- Tenderness or stiffness in your jaw
- Pain that seems to spread from your ears to the face, head, and neck
- Changes in the bite
- Reduced range of motion in your jaw
- Clicking or popping noises when you move your jaw
- Ringing in your ears, dizziness, or hearing issues
If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist or general dentist for a comprehensive exam.
Treatment Options for TMD
Generally, the least invasive methods of treatment are recommended first. These may include temporarily limiting your diet to soft foods only, applying hot or cold compresses to your jaw, or taking medications such as anti-inflammatories. If you regularly engage in parafunctional habits such as nail biting, persistent gum chewing, teeth grinding, etc., you may need to work on eliminating them.
If simple treatments aren’t enough to ease your pain and discomfort, your dental practitioner may recommend other courses of treatment, including:
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy/counseling
- Intraoral appliances, such as TMJ guards or splints
- Botox injections
- Acupuncture
- Electrical stimulation with a TENS device
- Surgery
Finding Treatment for TMD in Columbia, MD
Regardless of the cause of your TMD, we can work with you to find a solution that eases your pain. For expert diagnosis and treatment of TMD in Columbia, MD, contact Saini Orthodontics today!
