TMJ & TMD Treatment Specialist

What is TMJ?

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that forms the connection between your lower jawbone and your skull. Located in front of your ears, the TMJ is a hinge joint that allows you to move your jaw in an array of directions so you can eat and talk.

Like other joints in your body, your TMJ is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and cartilage that all work together to perform these necessary functions. 

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably. However, TMJ refers specifically to the hinge joint. TMD (temporomandibular disorders), on the other hand, is a general medical term that includes various symptoms and conditions that affect the TMJ.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Grinding sensation at the joint
• Joint or facial pain
• Headaches
• Lockjaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial swelling

TMD may occur after an injury to the jaw or from an underlying health condition. Teeth grinding and arthritis are common causes of TMD.

What is TMJ and TMD treatment?

Treatment for TMD may depend on the underlying cause of the disorder and severity of symptoms. The team at Lancaster Dental Care Associates specializes in TMD treatments and offers many options.

Treatment may include:

• Diet modification to include softer foods
• Use of heat or cold packs to treat symptoms
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Night guard
• Correction of misalignment (Invisalign or traditional braces)

When conservative treatments fail to tame your TMD symptoms, the team at Lancaster Dental Care Associates may suggest oral surgery. The full-service dental practice has a board-eligible oral surgeon on staff to perform any necessary procedures. 

How do I know what TMJ and TMD treatment is right for me?

When you visit Lancaster Dental Care Associates with concerns about your TMJ or TMD, your dentist conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the right treatment for you. 

During your exam, your dentist asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started and the activities that worsen them. They also review your medical and dental history, examine your mouth, and run dental X-rays. 

Then, they develop your personalized TMJ and TMD treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your condition and the severity of your symptoms. They schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your TMD and adjust your plan as needed.

For expert TMJ and TMD care, call Lancaster Dental Care Associates or request an appointment online today.