TMJ, the acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder, is also referred to as TMD or Temporomandibular dysfunction. It is an oral condition that cycle around pain, joint problems, and muscle spasms, resulting when the teeth, the jaw joints, and chewing muscles do not work in unison. TMD or TMJ refers to the problems in the muscle and joints connecting the mandible base of the jaw to the temporal bone at the base of the skull. Most individuals with TMJ experience symptoms that do not necessarily have to be around the mouth area. These symptoms may include worn teeth, painful muscles, earaches, headaches, clicking and popping of the jaw, ringing in the ears, pain behind the eyes, tingling hands, and difficulty in opening and closing the mouth. More often than not, TMJ is caused by several factors, including injury, grinding of the teeth, emotional stress, and most of all, a bad bite. When a person has teeth gapped, out of alignment, or worn away, all these would force the jaw to shift position, making it harder for the jaw muscles to work in bringing the teeth together. Normally, a person uses his or her teeth to chew. If his or her bite is out of alignment, this usually causes constant muscle tension around the jaw area. This would eventually lead to fatigue, muscles spasms, and pain. The constant strain on the muscles also pulls out of position the disc that cushions the jaw joint. In case this happens, the bones of the jaw joint rub against each other in the nerve area, causing pain and damage on the person’s joint. Fortunately for those experiencing TMJ, this dental condition can be treated. TMJ Las Vegas dentists are fully trained and experienced in treating this condition. The person suffering from TMJ must first consult with a TMJ dentist in order to examine and analyze his or her bite. Most TMJ dentists have advanced dental equipment that is pain-free and effective for treating TMJ. After analyzing the bite, TMJ Las Vegas dentists would measure the bite and mold a custom-crafted bite splint called orthotic for the next several months. This would enable the person to have a relaxed set of jaw muscles, to restore balance in the jaw joint and to stabilize the person’s bite. Once the bite has been stabilized, the dentist can permanently correct TMJ. Depending on the person’s situation, TMJ Las Vegas dentists can replace missing teeth, place crowns and or veneers on all of the teeth, or move the teeth with the use of orthodontic treatment. A lot of people suffer from TMJ, but with preventive maintenance through regular dental checkups, this condition can be avoided fully.
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