TMJ

If you are experiencing headaches and jaw pain, you may be in the right place to receive treatment that can ease your symptoms and help you heal!

The Temporomandibular Joint

The joint that attaches your jaw to your skull is called the temporomandibular joint, which we typically shorten to TMJ. This joint is subject to constant use as you speak and eat throughout the day.

In addition to this constant use, you may have other injuries or habits, such as teeth clenching or grinding, that can strain this joint. Any strain or difficulty with your TMJ can lead to debilitating symptoms that keep you from enjoying your day.

Symptoms of TMD

When you have strained your TMJ, we refer to this disorder as TMD. There are numerous symptoms that can indicate that you are having trouble with this joint:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness.
  • Difficulty chewing.
  • Headaches or migraines.
  • Ringing in your ears.
  • Neck or shoulder pain.
  • Jaw locking.
  • Clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw.

These symptoms interfere with your ability to focus on your daily tasks, and they decrease your overall quality of life.

Diagnosing Problems with Your TMJ

We have an array of remarkable devices at our fingertips when it comes to diagnosing problems with your TMJ. Come to Battle Mountain Dental to get answers about the health of your TMJ!

3D Cone Beam Scanner

This remarkable scanner takes the concept of an x-ray to an entirely new level! Instead of producing a two-dimensional image of areas that need treatment, we can produce a three-dimensional model using our cone beam scanner.

This scanner provides invaluable information about the shape of your jaw, so we can use it to determine whether you are suffering from TMD.

Joint Vibration Analysis

Joint Vibration Analysis, or JVA, is an incredible technology that we can use to more effectively diagnose disorders of the temporomandibular joint.

It works on a principle of vibration. A small device is placed over the TMJ while you open and close your mouth. The device records the exact moments of vibration caused by friction in the joint, which then allows us to narrow down the specific type and cause of the temporomandibular disorder.

The information we gather from using JVA can also help us plan effective treatments that target the cause of your TMD.

Treatment for TMD

We want to help you treat this disorder to relieve your painful symptoms and increase your overall quality of life! After we have taken the steps to diagnose the causes behind your TMD, we can then begin planning treatment.

One of the treatments that are available to patients involves an oral appliance, which may be especially helpful for those who are suffering from TMD due to clenching or grinding. An oral appliance can help keep your jaw in a position that provides relief for your TMJ, allowing it to begin healing from the strain.

Let Us Help Relieve Your Pain!

Call Battle Mountain Dental if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMD. We can help you determine the cause behind your pain and begin treatment that can provide the relief you crave today!