TMJ/TMD Treatment

TMJ and TMD can be big problems if left untreated. Caused by grinding of the teeth at night, it results in headaches, jaw pain, and damaged tooth enamel. At Foy Aesthetic and Family Dentistry, we offer custom mouthguards to prevent grinding and eliminate the muscle pain caused by TMD.

What’s the difference?

TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint,” which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, occurs when there is pain or misalignment in the TMJ and the muscles that control jaw movement. However, TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably.

Symptoms of TMD/TMJ

. If you have any of the below symptoms, visit our office today!

  • Pain or tenderness in jaw area.
  • Pain or tenderness in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.
  • Pain in and around the ear.
  • Difficulty chewing.
  • Pain while chewing.
  • Locking of the temporomandibular joints.
  • Difficulty opening or closing mouth.

Causes of TMD/TMJ

Not all causes of TMD can be determined. In many cases, a combination of factors are involved, including genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, and clenching or grinding of teeth. These factors, however, do not necessarily mean that a person will develop TMD.

Common causes of TMD/TMJ include:

  • Damage to the cartilage around the jaw joint.
  • Arthritis.
  • Clenching or grinding teeth, often due to stress and generally at night.

Solutions for TMD/TMJ

Most people find their TMD/TMJ symptoms are relieved from stress management activities and mouth guards to prevent clenching and grinding. At Foy Aesthetic and Family Dentistry, we offer custom night guards to mitigate clenching and grinding teeth at night, which alleviates TMD pain.

If you suspect TMD, be sure to call our office today! Dr. Foy can help you get back on the right track to pain-free living!