Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Boulder, Colorado

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes misaligned. Your TMJ is the joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull. It is one of the most complex joints in your body, and is responsible for facilitating the movement of your jaw. Important bodily functions such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, talking, and yawning are made possible by the movement of your TMJ.

TMD can result in chronic, debilitating headaches, facial pain, and jaw pain. Often, the condition can be corrected with dental treatments which work to place your jaw back into proper alignment.

Causes of TMD

In many cases, the exact cause of TMD may be unclear. However, the following factors contribute to the development of the condition:

• Injury to the jaw due to a heavy blow to the head or whiplash
• Grinding your teeth
• Dislocation of the disc within the temporomandibular joint
• Cartilage damage, often caused by arthritis
• Tumor
• Infection

Symptoms of TMD

TMD symptoms include:

• Facial pain
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Ear pain
• Difficulty chewing
• Locking of the jaw joint
• Clicking or popping sound in your jaw
• Headaches
• Uneven bite
• Facial swelling and asymmetry
• Limited jaw mobility

TMD Treatment

Boulder family dentist, Dr. Gerald B. Savory, may recommend a variety of TMD treatments based on the unique circumstances surrounding your condition. Generally, your TMD treatment will contain two components:

• Alleviation of pain
• Returning your jaw to its ideal resting position

Sometimes your pain can be controlled using over-the-counter NSAID medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If these are not sufficient, Dr. Savory may prescribe stronger medication to eliminate your pain, including:

• Painkillers
• Muscle relaxants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Corticosteroid drugs
• Local anesthesia

In order to correct the alignment issues with your bite, Dr. Savory may recommend an orthotic bite guard which can be worn over your teeth while you sleep. Your bite guard will be custom-fit to your mouth, and it will work to relax your jaw into its proper resting position. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be the ideal way to correct any malocclusion you may be experiencing.

Please contact our Boulder family dentist today to schedule your initial TMD consultation at Gunbarrel Dental Center, serving patients in Boulder, Gunbarrel, Longmont, Niwot, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, and Superior, Colorado.

Disclaimer: The temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) information provided on this website by Dr. Gerald Savory is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. To learn more about TMD and family dentistry in the Boulder, Colorado area, please contact Gunbarrel Dental Center to schedule a consultation today.