If you have been experiencing jaw pain and discomfort, you could be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD). This condition can cause quite a bit of pain and interfere with your day-to-day life, but with proper treatment from our dentists, you can restore the health of your jaw and eliminate the discomfort of TMJ/TMD.
Without proper intervention, a TMJ disorder can drastically affect your day-to-day life. The joint can wear down over time, causing persistent discomfort or pain. So, be proactive – schedule an appointment to discuss TMJ treatment options with our caring dentists. Call Worcester Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry at (508) 852-1900 to get started now!
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can cause a range of symptoms that affect the jaw joint and surrounding structures. The symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
It’s important to note that not all individuals with TMD experience the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you may have TMD, please give us a call right away so we can address your concerns.
TMJ/TMD are terms used to refer to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. This small, delicate joint is located just below the ear and is responsible for connecting the jaw to the skull. If it becomes inflamed, damaged or malpositioned, it can cause a variety of different symptoms and issues, collectively referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ/TMD.
TMJ/TMD can have a number of different causes. A few of the most common causes of TMJ/TMD are teeth grinding (bruxism), a malpositioned bite, excessive jaw muscle use (such as chewing gum for multiple hours per day) and inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Each case is different, which is why TMJ/TMD is often considered very difficult to treat.
Myalgia and myofascial pain are two related conditions that are commonly associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Myalgia refers to muscle pain or discomfort, and in the context of TMD, myalgia typically refers to pain and tenderness in the muscles that control jaw movement, such as the temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles.
Myalgia can cause localized pain in the jaw, face, temples, or even radiate to the neck and shoulders. It can be caused by muscle tension, overuse, clenching or grinding of teeth (bruxism), poor posture, stress, or trauma to the jaw joint.
Myofascial pain refers to pain originating from trigger points within the muscle and the surrounding connective tissue (fascia). These trigger points are areas of hyper-irritability within the muscle, which can cause localized pain and referred pain to other areas.
Orofacial pain can be severe and often falls through the cracks as it is in between medical and dental and patients do not know where to go, however, treatment can be very beneficial. Dr. Hedstrom will start with a muscle exam, followed by a customized treatment plan, and then treatment.
Here are some of the ways Dr. Hedstrom might recommend treating your TMD:
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder can include pain, discomfort, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Botox has been found to be effective in treating TMJ disorder. Here are some of the benefits of using Botox for TMJ:
It’s important to note that Botox is not a permanent solution for TMJ disorder, and additional treatments may be required to maintain the benefits. Additionally, Botox should only be administered by a qualified medical professional with experience in treating TMJ disorder.
TMJ surgery is typically considered a last resort for treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) after conservative treatments have been exhausted. Surgery is usually recommended only in cases where the patient experiences severe and persistent pain, difficulty with jaw movement, and significant functional limitations despite conservative treatments. Here are some situations where TMJ surgery may be needed:
It’s important to note that TMJ surgery is a complex procedure that carries risks, and it may not always result in complete pain relief or functional improvement. Patients should consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon or TMJ specialist to determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their specific case.
The terms TMD and TMJ are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them. TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. TMJ, on the other hand, refers to the temporomandibular joint itself.
In other words, TMD is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions that can affect the TMJ, while TMJ refers specifically to the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMD can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, and teeth grinding.
While TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, TMD is a complex condition that involves the muscles, ligaments, and bones in and around the TMJ. TMD can affect the joint’s function and cause pain and discomfort in the surrounding muscles and tissues.
A TMJ dentist is a dental professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Here are some ways a TMJ dentist can help diagnose and treat TMJ disorder:
Overall, a TMJ dentist can help diagnose and treat TMJ disorder by conducting a comprehensive examination, using imaging tests as needed, analyzing the patient’s bite, developing a personalized treatment plan, and monitoring the patient’s progress. By taking a comprehensive and individualized approach to treatment, a TMJ dentist can help patients manage TMJ disorder and improve their quality of life.
If you are looking for TMJ treatment near you, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Hedstrom is certified, trained and has years of experience helping patients address a range of TMJ conditions. Worcester Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry is also conveniently located right here in Worcester. Give us a call or schedule your TMJ consultation online today!
There are several types of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) treatment options available, ranging from conservative measures to more invasive procedures. Here are some of the most common types of TMD treatment options:
Overall, the type of TMD treatment option recommended will depend on your individual symptoms and the severity of your condition. At Worcester Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Hedstrom will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer on how to cure TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) as the most effective way to treat TMD will depend on your individual symptoms and their underlying causes. There are several approaches that have been shown to be effective in managing TMD symptoms and improving jaw function. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Hedstrom will be happy to discuss your options with you and recommend a treatment plan for your unique case.
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