TMD or TMJ

TMD or TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, often abbreviated as TMD or TMJ, occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles. It also can result from grinding or clenching your teeth. Patients experiencing jaw joint pain, facial muscle pain, clicking or pain when chewing may require TMD treatment.

The most common treatment is wearing a “bite splint,” which is a hard and plastic appliance similar to a retainer that alleviates the pain and discomfort. A bite splint may be worn to further diagnose problems before definitive treatment. Adjustment of the bite (occlusal adjustment) may be necessary following bite splint therapy to improve treatment success. Physical therapy may also be recommended as an additional treatment.