Your mouth has many working parts. All of the different components work together, enabling you to do a wide array of different tasks, such as biting, chewing, speaking, and more. One of these components is your temporomandibular joints or TMJ. These ball and socket joints are where the mandible and skull meet. You have two of these joints, one on each side of your face. They work with the attached bones, ligaments, and muscles, enabling you to open and close your mouth as well as move your jaw from side to side. If these joints become irritated, you may be left with a substantial amount of pain. Eating and speaking can become incredibly difficult. At Sunrise Dental, we can diagnose the cause of your TMJ issues, providing you with the treatment you need to restore your oral health and your quality of life.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a blanket term that refers to a variety of different issues that can affect the health and function of your TMJ. These issues cause the joints to become irritated and inflamed, which can then lead to pain and difficulty opening and closing your mouth, and biting into foods.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can be caused by several different issues. These issues include:
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Pain in your TMJ is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder, but it is not the only one. Many symptoms appear gradually, growing worse over time. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
Diagnosing Your TMJ Issues
When you experience symptoms of TMJ disorder, it is important that you seek treatment right away. A thorough oral exam will allow us to determine the cause of your TMJ issues. We begin by looking over the visible structures of your mouth, assessing your teeth for wear patterns and alignment. We also assess the alignment of your jaw. In addition to a visual exam, we also take digital X-rays, which enable us to see the TMJ space.
How are TMJ Disorders Treated?
The treatment you receive depends on the cause of your TMJ issues. Treatments for TMJ disorder include:
With the right treatment, the health of your TMJ can be restored, giving you back your quality of life. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call our dentist in Peoria AZ today at 623-487-4870.