TMJ

TMJ is a disorder that causes inflammation around the jaw joints and is also sometimes referred to as TMD. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and it connects your lower jaw to your skull and is located on both sides of your head. Because TMJ causes jaw pain, it can make it difficult for those who are affected to eat which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as well as unintentional weight loss. It may also affect your social life, as TMJ can make speaking uncomfortable.

At Academy Dental Care in Albuquerque, our team has the experience and knowledge to identify the causes of TMJ disorder and provide the correct treatment to help you maintain a high quality of life.

TMJ disorders can have several different causes. One such cause is bruxism, or teeth grinding, other causes are arthritis, stress, an improper bite, or displacement of the jaw joint disk. Anything that damages the jaw joint can cause TMJ. It can also flare up due to dehydration, vitamin D deficiency, and even poor posture. This disorder can be diagnosed by x-rays, as well as CT scans and MRIs.

There are several different symptoms associated with TMJ disorder depending on the severity and specific cause. Some common ones include:

• Pain in your jaw
• Facial pain
• Limited or stiff jaw movement
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo
• Headaches
• Neck or shoulder pain

These symptoms can be detrimental to everyday life. You don’t have to live with these symptoms—at Academy Dental Care, our team is here to help treat the causes and symptoms of TMJ so that you can return to experiencing life without pain and discomfort.

In some cases, TMJ will go away on its own if it is minor, but that is not always the case. However, if you have been experiencing it for a while, medical treatment will become more necessary. Treatment for TMJ disorder depends on the cause, and once that is determined, our expert team of qualified dentists will provide you with the best treatment to relieve and reduce your pain. Getting your TMJ treated can reduce the risk of dental damage due to teeth grinding and can improve your ability to chew, improving your overall health.

Contact Us

At Academy Dental Care, our expert dentists and state-of-the-art dental office have all the resources needed to help treat TMJ disorder. We also offer a variety of other dental services, from routine cleanings to fillings, to dental implants, and more. Reach out to us today to get started with your TMJ treatment in Albuquerque.