Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Therapy treats facial and joint pain that is related to problems with the jaw joints. Often times, undiagnosed pain in the head, neck and face areas may be due to the unconscious habits of grinding or clenching the teeth. Our dentists can help evaluate such symptoms and treat the problem conservatively.
The temporomandibular joints are located in the front of each ear, where the lower jaw (mandible) hinges to the skull. These joints function in chewing, swallowing, speech and jaw movements. One or both of the joints can get out of alignment from a blow to the head/jaw or from opening the mouth too wide while chewing or yawning. Often times a poor bite can cause TMJ problems.
Clenching or grinding the teeth puts undue pressure on the muscle that work the jaw joints and these muscles can go into spasm. It is the muscle spasm that causes the head and neck pain.
Most often this is a dental problem and with proper treatment TMJ pain can be greatly reduced or eliminated totally. Proper treatment, however, requires proper diagnosis. Our therapy is conservative, non-surgical, non-invasive and reversible. Your problem and our recommended treatment will be explained and discussed with you prior to any procedures.