TMJ Specialist

What is TMJ?

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a common condition that affects your jaw joints. Your jaw includes joints that allow you to open and close your mouth comfortably. TMJ might feel painful or even crippling in some cases. Design Dental Spa offers a variety of TMJ treatments that provide relief.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

Common symptoms associated with TMJ include:

• Tenderness or pain in your jaw
• Jaw stiffness
• Aching pain 
• Pain near your ear
• Discomfort when opening and closing your mouth
• Pain with chewing
• Difficulty chewing
• Locking of the jaw joints

TMJ can also cause clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth. If it bothers you, see the Design Dental Spa specialists for relief.

What are the risk factors for TMJ?

TMJ can happen to anyone, but some factors boost your risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Previous jaw injuries
• Arthritis
• Jaw clenching
• Teeth grinding
• Connective tissue diseases

If you have TMJ symptoms and risk factors, the experts at Design Dental Spa are here to help.

How does my provider diagnose TMJ?

To find out if TMJ is causing your discomfort, Design Dental Spa providers review your symptoms and medical history. They examine your teeth, mouth, jaw, and jaw joint range of motion. Your dentist often takes dental X-rays and could recommend CT scans or MRIs to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment.

How is TMJ treated?

Common treatments for TMJ include:

Home remedies

Home remedies that help relieve TMJ pain include ice or heat packs and resting your jaw joint. Your dentist lets you know which physical therapy exercises and stretches to complete to strengthen your jaw joint and surrounding tissues to relieve discomfort. 

Oral devices

If you have jaw pain because of TMJ and want relief, dental providers at Design Dental Spa can develop custom-fitted mouthguards you wear at night to prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding, reducing your risk of future discomfort.

To learn more about TMJ treatment and find out if you’re a candidate for it, call the Design Dental Spa office or book an appointment online today.