What Is TMJ and How Can a Dentist Help You?

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Do you have a clenched or tense jaw? Jaw clenching might be triggered by stress, an injury, or simply an overworked jaw. It can cause jaw pain, soreness, and TMJ problems.Dr. Juan G. Lopez is an expert in TMJ in Coral Springs and can diagnose abnormalities with the joint. It's necessary to get a diagnosis and treatment for jaw tension as soon as possible.

TMJ coral springs dentist and assistant showing X-ray to patient

What is a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when the two joints that link the jawbone to the skull ache due to injury, dislocation, or damage. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the name given to this joint. TMD patients have mild to severe joint pain and difficulty opening their jaws or eating.

How Can a Dentist Help with TMD?

Treatments and Diagnosis

If you're wondering what a dentist can do for TMD, we have first to recognize that the pain you're feeling could be due to a variety of factors and that to discover the right therapy, we need to know why you're in pain. During your first appointment, Dr. Lopez will examine your teeth and jaw and ask you about your medical history, diet, lifestyle, symptoms, and when the discomfort began. A treatment plan will be devised once the reason has been identified. Treatment programs are tailored to the specific demands of each patient. The goal is to reduce discomfort and inflammation by relieving tension on the joint. A combination or a single therapy may be used in treatment strategies. The following are examples of common treatments:

  • An oral appliance or a night guard
  • TMJ open surgery
  • TMJ arthroscopy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
TMJ coral springs happy dental client

Get TMJ Treatment in Coral Springs, FL

The underlying cause of TMJ pain must be discovered before the condition can be treated. Our dentists at Oral Facial Reconstruction can help if you suspect you have TMJ pain or other mouth or jaw problems. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us so that we may do a thorough examination and discuss your treatment choices.