Snap, crackle, pop. That’s the last thing you want to hear coming from your jaw. TMJ disorders affect millions of adults every year, and too many of them aren’t getting the proper treatment. If jaw pain or discomfort is affecting your everyday life and making you lose sleep at night, it’s time you give our team at Black Bear Dental a call.

WHAT IS A TMJ DISORDER?

A TMJ disorder, which is more specifically called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint. This is the sliding hinge joint that connects your jaw to the rest of your skull. It’s responsible for helping you chew and talk.

TMJ disorders cause discomfort while performing regular, daily tasks and can be caused by an array of reasons, including teeth grinding, arthritis, and sleep apnea.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A TMJ DISORDER

TMD can be an unexpected diagnosis for some patients. This is because the symptoms are synonymous with many other disorders. Common signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder include but aren’t limited to:

• Jaw pain, especially when chewing
• Clicking sounds when opening and closing jaw
• Aching around the ears
• Frequent headaches
• Lockjaw

TMD TREATMENT

In some cases, TMD can go away on its own with a combination of rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy. However, sometimes that will not be enough. If you have TMD that is sticking around for a while, it might be worth trying an orthopedic appliance that can be worn at night to prevent teeth grinding.

LOOKING FOR TMJ DISORDER TREATMENT IN HENDERSONVILLE, NC?

You’ve come to the right place. Our expert dentist and team can treat your TMD so you can reduce those annoying symptoms. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.