Bogota Dental Center offers an array of diagnosis and treatment options for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) to residents of Bergen County, Bogota and Totowa, New Jersey.
TMJ is an abbreviation used to describe the temporal mandibular joint. This joint connects the mandible (jawbone) to the bones on the side of your head, which are called the temporal bones. These flexible joints allow the jaw to move up, down and sideways, as well as back and forth. TMJ syndrome or disorder occurs when the function of the joint is affected.
The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain in the area of the joint. The muscles in the area may also become sore or tense. Sometimes the pain radiates to the face, jaw or neck. Jaw muscle stiffness may occur. TMJ may limit the movement of the jaw or cause the jaws to lock. Some people report a clicking, popping or grating sound when the mouth is opened or closed. TMJ may also cause a change in the way the teeth fit together. Some people with TMJ report headaches that go away when the problem is treated.
In many cases, the actual cause of TMJ is unknown. Women seem to be more likely to develop TMJ than men, although no one knows why. For many people, TMJ gradually develops over a period of time, without an injury or other obvious cause. However, trauma to the jaw itself or to the TMJ joint may cause TMJ in some cases. Research does indicate that simply having a bad bite (like an overbite) doesn't result in TMJ.
Treatments for TMJ vary widely; dental experts recommend the most conservative treatments because there are few studies on this issue. Self-care includes avoiding hard foods and excessive jaw movements (like chewing gum), stress reduction techniques, and exercises to stretch and relax the jaw muscles. Short-term use of over-the-counter pain medications may be helpful. Short-term use of a splint or bite guard may be helpful, especially if you grind your teeth. Orthodontics and surgery are rarely recommended.
At Bogota Dental Center, our goal is patient satisfaction. We strive to make every service achievable and affordable for all patients. We only accept PPO plans. Along with our accepted insurance, Bogota Dental Center accepts Care Credit, Cit Health, and Lending Club. For more information about our insurance policies or payment methods, please call our office.