Coastal Dentistry

TMJ

Our Specialty
TMJ Therapy is one of our specialties, and our dentists are particularly knowledgeable about the subject, having successfully treated numerous patients with TMJ pain. If you are worried about possible TMJ affliction, read on to learn more about TMJ dysfunction, and make an appointment so we can diagnose the true cause of your ailment.

Understanding TMJ

TMJ Dysfunction
Many people suffer from dizziness, earaches, face, head, neck, should and back pain, without knowing the cause of their pain. Previously, many patients seeking medical cures for these types of problems were told it was "all in their mind."

Malocclusion and the Temporomandibular Joint
Your jaw joint, which holds your lower jaw in place, is suspended beneath your skull by an intricate system of muscles and tendons. The jaw joints, also known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), are some of the most complex in the body. The jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and the fit of your teeth are closely interrelated, each affecting the other as you make everyday jaw movements such as speaking and chewing.

The way your teeth fit together is called Occlusion. When your teeth are not in proper relation to each other and to your jaw joints, the jaw automatically shifts to a new position in an attempt to compensate for the misalignment of your teeth -- a condition known as malocclusion (teeth do not fit together properly.) When malocclusion exists, even what looks like a good bite could be at the expense of putting pressure on other jaw joint areas as the jaw shifts to accommodate the teeth. Symptoms of misaligned teeth may be clenching, grinding, premature tooth wear, stress on the muscles and tendons, some of which may occur during sleep. Results of these symptoms are headaches and muscular aches and pains in the face, neck, shoulders and back, dizziness, earaches, ringing in the ears and many other problems.

In addition to these common conditions which often (but not always) relate to malocclusion and cause pain in and around the temporomandibular joint, there are other conditions which can affect the function and comfort of this joint and the total body health. These conditions include disease, nutritional deficiencies (e.g. gout) tumors, trauma, and infections.