The mouth is a complex part of the body, made up of many different integral pieces and parts that all work together to allow you to smile, laugh, chew food, etc. Sometimes that means parts of the mouth besides the teeth and gums need help and attention.
At Carol Pacheco D.D.S., we work with our patients to help them get treatment for issues and problems dealing with the mouth but not necessarily with the teeth. One of the more common issues we see at a dental office is TMJ, a disorder that requires specialized training to treat.
Dr. Pacheco is qualified to provide patients with certain types of treatment for TMJ disorders, and she also refers out to specialists when necessary.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is the acronym given to the temporomandibular joint. This joint is found at the upper corner on either side of your jaw and connects your jawbone to your skull. It allows for various movements of the jaw, which you use on a daily basis.
A TMJ disorder — also commonly known as TMD — causes pain in that joint area and in the muscles that help you move your jaw.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorders are fairly common. You might be dealing with a potential TMJ disorder if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Clicking/locking of jaw joint.
- Pain in face, ear, or mouth.
- Toothache.
- Cracking or tenderness in joints.
- Headache.
- Muscle spasms.
Experiencing multiple of these symptoms could be a good indicator that you need to see your dentist for diagnosis and potential treatment.
TMJ Treatments with Carol Pacheco D.D.S.
A TMJ disorder requires treatment with specialized training. Dr. Pacheco is qualified to provide certain types of treatments, but she also refers out to specialists on TMJ as needed. When you make an appointment to come see us, we’ll walk you through some of your treatment options with us, including:
- Night Guard & Soft Night Guard: These night guards are designed to reduce the likelihood of clenching during sleep, which will in turn reduce pain symptoms. A night guard for TMJ will align the jaw so that the teeth rest comfortably in a neutral position as you sleep.
- Sport Bite Guard: This type of mouth guard will help athletes with potential TMJ disorders protect their teeth and prevent pain from clenching while playing.
Contact our office today to set up an appointment to see if you might be dealing with TMJ. You can also give us a call with any questions about TMJ or our treatment options.