Questions About TMJ Disorder

Miami and Coral Gables, Florida

What is TMJ disorder?

Video courtesy of Marina Del Rey Dentist, Dr. Scott Tamura

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ disorder) is condition occurring when your temporomandibular joint, the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, becomes misaligned. TMJ disorder can result in chronic, debilitating pain. However, the condition is easily treated using the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, which focus on bringing your jaw and bite back to its ideal resting position.

What causes TMJ disorder?

There are many factors which may contribute to your developing TMJ disorder. These include:

• Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles in the head and neck by a blow or impact
• Grinding your teeth
• Dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket of your temporomandibular joint
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in your temporomandibular joint
• Stress, causing you to tighten your facial and jaw muscles or clench your teeth

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Clicking or popping sound when opening and closing your jaw
• Locking jaw, which limits your range of motion
• Difficulty chewing
• Uneven or uncomfortable bite
• Headaches
• Ringing in your ears

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Miami neuromuscular dentists Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia will examine your temporomandibular joint for pain and tenderness, listen for clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement, look for limited range of motion in your jaw, and examine your bite. Sometimes, panoramic x-rays will be taken to provide a more detailed view of your jaw and teeth to rule out other causes of your symptoms. In certain situations, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered as well.

How do you treat TMJ disorder?

Treatment is different for everyone and depends on the nature and severity of your TMJ disorder. Our Miami neuromuscular dentists will first work to alleviate the pain caused by your TMJ disorder, and then they will correct the underlying issues causing the misalignment of your jaw.

Possible treatments may include:

• Pain medication
• Custom bite appliances
• Orthotic mouthpieces
• Orthodontics
• Dental restorations

Please contact our Miami neuromuscular dentists today to schedule your initial appointment. Miami Designer Smiles serves patients in the Miami and Coral Gables, Florida area.