TMJ

Item: Colorado Premier Dental
Rating: 5
Author: Jeremy Breen

Issues with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can result in pain, jaw stiffness, and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Treatment for TMJ disorders is available to relieve these symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Brian Polidori in Lakewood, CO, provides bite analysis and TMJ solutions to provide the relief you need and deserve.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for "temporomandibular joint." The TMJs are the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. When there are issues with the TMJs, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the result. TMD is the correct term to describe issues with the jaw muscles, nerves, cartilage, and tissues around the TMJs, as well as issues affecting the joints themselves.

What are the Symptoms of TMD?

There are many obvious symptoms of temporomandibular disorder, while others are not as evident. Contact our dental office in Lakewood, CO, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Pain in the jaw
Headaches
Facial pain
Locking jaw
Clicking pain
Tooth wear
Dental pain
Limited jaw movement
Tinnitus (Ringing in ear)

What Can Cause TMJ Disorder?

Trauma or an injury to the face or jaw can cause TMD, but in many cases, it is due to:

Teeth Clenching (Bruxism)

Teeth clenching and grinding can put a lot of pressure and stress on the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles and other tissues.

Misaligned Bite

If your bite is misaligned, you may be subconsciously trying to compensate by holding your jaw in an improper place, which puts added stress on the joints and muscles.

Stress

Stress can cause you to clench and grind your teeth, contributing to TMJ disorder.

Arthritis

Arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can all contribute to TMJ disorder.

What Are the Risks of Not Treating TMD?

If your symptoms seem minor, you may not think you need to seek treatment. However, seeking treatment can prevent issues such as:

Diagnosis and Treatment for TMD

During your consultation with Dr. Brian Polidori at our Lakewood dental practice, he will examine your bite and perform X-rays to get a clear picture of your jaw. This can allow him to find the cause of your TMJ disorder so he can determine if he can treat those issues, or if you need a referral to a specialist. Treatment may involve: