Your temporomandibular joint, called TMJ, are the joints, ligaments, and muscles that connect to your lower jaw and allow you to eat, speak, and move it as a whole. Located on each side of your head, the TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket, which acts as a cushion while allowing your jaw to open, close, and glide. Your TMJ is an intricate system, and when a problem limits it from operating correctly, you may develop an agonizing temporomandibular disorder (TMD). If you live near our Milford, MA, dental office, and notice a clicking or popping sound in your jaw, Dr. Peyman Beigi, DMD, and Dr. Nina Raeisian, DMD at Milford Dental Group can help.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ/TMD
At Milford Dental Group, our dentists look for the following signs and symptoms when you visit our Milford, MA, dental office for a consultation.
- Difficulty chewing
- Soreness and stiffness
- Locking or limited jaw movement
- Inflammation in the facial muscles
- Aching pain around the ear muscles
Possible Causes of TMJ/TMD
- Tooth and jaw misalignment
- Arthritis in the joins, muscles, or ligaments
- Bruxism or grinding and clenching the teeth
- Dislocation from dental trauma or injury
Treatment Options For TMJ/TMD
If you are seeking relief from the symptoms mentioned above, we can develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the cause. For a mild case of TMJ/TMD, our dentists may suggest eating softer foods, applying heat packs to reduce pain, or practicing relaxation techniques to unwind muscle tension. If you have a more severe form of TMJ/TMD, you may benefit from orthodontics to realign the jaw or dental restorations that can reshape the teeth for a proper bite.
Contact Us
For more information about TMJ pain or any of the other services that we provide, visit our website. For questions or appointment scheduling, please call Milford Dental Group in Milford, MA, by dialing (508) 482-0028.