WHAT IS TMJ?
More Correctly Known As TMD
Temporomandibular Disorder
Temporomandibular Disorders
Are a group of problems related to your complex jaw joint. These disorders may include sore muscles from clenching or grinding of teeth, arthritis, traumatic joint injury, or internal joint derangement, including clicking, popping or locking of joint.
Symptoms of TMD
•Pain and tenderness in the jaw joint (located in front of the ear)
•Limitation of jaw motion
•Noise in the joint during jaw movement (popping or clicking)
•Pain and spasm of the jaw muscles
•Earache
At your consultation appointment, Dr. Darmstadt will take x-rays and a medical history. You will then have an examination which will include general observation of the face to determine asymmetry, palpation of the jaw muscles and joint, observation of jaw motion and intraoral examination of teeth and bite.
After a diagnosis of a specific TM disorder is made, Dr. Darmstadt will recommend treatment which may include any or all of the following: soft diet, anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medication, a custom splint or bite plate, physical or chiropractic therapy, orthodontic therapy or reconstructive dental treatment; and in rare cases, arthroscopy, open joint surgery or total joint replacement.
Typically 80% of patiets improve with simple treatment and DO NOT REQUIRE SURGERY.
