When your jaw aches and it’s difficult to speak, eat, or just open and close your mouth, you can help but feel miserable. However, you’re not alone. More than 10 million people across the country are affected by temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). As alarming as these numbers sound, there’s no need to despair! At the office of Dental Specialists of Darien, we provide the diagnostic and therapeutic care that’s required to address and alleviate the symptoms of TMJ problems.
Located directly in front of each ear, the TMJ facilitates all jaw movements throughout your day. When optimally functioning, your left and right temporomandibular joints work in perfect harmony to facilitate a wide range of motion. Well-designed for all manner of oral function, these joints not only handle an enormous range of movement, but they are also able to endure biting pressures that can be as much as 260 pounds of force at the molars.
Although your temporomandibular joints are well equipped to handle the stresses of movement and the forces generated when biting, they can still become dysfunctional when overused, inflamed or injured. In fact, several problems can disturb this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones, resulting in a painful and annoying TMJ disorder.
A TMJ disorder can exhibit a wide range of uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms, including:
As your trusted partner in care, our prosthodontist has the advanced specialty training and experience required to address TMJ disorders. Charting a path to wellness begins with a thorough review of the history of your case, along with a comprehensive assessment of your joint symptoms and function. Our office will also order radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests as needed to develop the best approach to care. Depending on specific needs, the treatment of a TMJ disorder can include oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints as well as other types of therapy may such as steroid injections, occlusal adjustments and prosthodontic treatment or orthodontic care to improve the bite, alleviate symptoms and improve function.
At the office of Dental Specialists of Darien, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.
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