A Look at TMD

A Look at TMD

When you are suffering from facial pain or headaches, you may not think to turn to the dentist for diagnosis and treatment. However, these issues are commonly attributed to dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is treatable with the right kind of dental care. Below are some of the details about TMJ dysfunction (TMD) to help you understand its effect on oral health.
Causes
There are many different conditions that could lead to TMD, as the TMJ is a complex and intricate structure. Arthritis, injury, disk displacement, and bruxism are all possible causes for TMD, so it is important to discuss your health and habits with your dentist thoroughly when you are talking about your symptoms.
Signs
Your TMD symptoms will be a good indicator of the specific issues in the joint and the causes for them. You might have isolated pain in the face, head, or upper body along with trouble opening your mouth fully, difficulty biting, and popping noises in the joint. Keeping a diary of symptoms of this nature will be helpful for your dentist to more accurately pinpoint the problem.
Treatments
Treatment for TMD is an ongoing and involved process that may include splint therapy to stabilize the joint, medication to relieve pain, and exercises to improve overall joint function and relieve stress from the area. Your dentist will help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan so that you can live comfortably and free of pain caused by TMD.
At the office of John Carson, DDS, we are committed to providing the custom and complete care needed to relieve TMD and other complex dental issues that could be disrupting your life. Make an appointment to discover the difference that our specialized care can make by contacting our Tucson office online or at (520) 514-7203.