TMD & TMJ Disorders | Dentists Lynnwood

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment of TMJ. Part of the routine dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.

Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, the dentist may refer you out of the practice to a physician or specialist for further treatment.

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side.

Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

arthritis
dislocation
injury
tooth and jaw alignment
stress and teeth grinding

There are several treatments for TMJ disorders. This step-by-step plan from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research allows you to try simple treatment before moving on to more involved treatment. The NIDCR also recommends a “less is often best” approach in treating TMJ disorders, which includes:

eating softer foods
avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
modifying the pain with heat packs
practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback.

If you are in need of TMD, TMJ, or any other jaw surgery, Please contact our Lynnwood dental office today!