Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are conditions which affect the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles/ligaments/tendons/nerves.

Temporomandibular disorders may cause pain which radiates to other areas of the head and neck. Temporomandibular disorders are often caused by a disturbance to the normal function of the teeth/jaw joints and can be related to trauma/injury to the head and neck, emotional stress, bruxism (clenching and grinding of teeth), chronic pain conditions in other areas of the body, dental treatment resulting in changes to the bite, trauma related to surgical dental treatment, or sleep disturbances. Treatment of temporomandibular disorders is based on an assessment of the causative factors. Your initial consult will assess range of jaw opening, muscle pain, trigger sites, degree/type of clicking in joints, fit of current appliances, medical health, and dental health to determine a treatment plan which is most appropriate to alleviate TMJ/TMD pain.