TMJ/TMD Questions
Serving Salt Lake City, Park City, and Surrounding Utah communities
What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint on each side of your head that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint allows you to perform important functions such as talking and chewing.
What is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when your TMJ is misaligned. The symptoms of TMD often seem unrelated and may not even be associated with your jaw. In severe cases, TMD can result in serious pain that impacts your daily life.
What are the symptoms of TMD?
If you suffer from TMD, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Frequent headaches — most headaches are caused by muscle tension, generally stemming from a bite problem
- Ear pain
- Limited jaw movement
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw or facial pain
- Uneven bite
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Ear ringing
- Jaw clicking, locking, or popping
What is the cause of TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders occur when your jaw becomes misaligned. There are many possible causes of TMD, including:
- Poor dental work
- Trauma to the mouth
- Genetics (arthritis, degenerative joint disease)
- Worn teeth from grinding
What are my options for TMJ treatment?
The field of neuromuscular dentistry has made it possible to effectively treat TMJ problems and their symptoms. If you are suffering from TMD, Park City neuromuscular dentist Dr. Kent Johnson has extensive experience with these types of problems and may recommend the following treatments to relieve your pain and related symptoms:
- Individualized bite analysis
- Custom bite repositioning appliance for your teeth
- Orthodontics
- Bite reconstruction
- TENS unit treatment to relax your jaw
- Custom orthotic mouthpiece or bite guard
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Dr. Johnson will make a recommendation for your TMJ treatment based on your unique oral health issues, the set of symptoms you display, and the level of pain you experience on a daily basis.
If you believe you may be suffering from TMD or some other neuromuscular dentistry-related disorder, please contact our Park City neuromuscular dentistry office today to schedule your initial exam and consultation. Dr. Johnson serves patients in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
