Showing posts with label TMD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TMD. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

What is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.  Downtown Dental can help patients prevent and recover from negative effects of TMD.


Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw. 


Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer with discomfort in your jaw.  To learn more about TMD and the services we provide at the practice, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD)

Do you notice a popping or a clicking sound in your jaw while chewing your food? If so, this may be a sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. These bones help you speak, eat, and yawn. If this area becomes injured, it may lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Fortunately, our doctors at Downtown Dental can discuss treatment options.


The first symptom of the temporomandibular joint disorder is a pain in the jaw area. Jaw pain may occur on one or both sides, depending on the cause. Other symptoms include headaches, stiff or sore jaw muscles, or locking of the jaw joint. When home treatments such as ice packs or anti-inflammatory drugs do not work, our doctors may suggest a night guard as a form of treatment.


If you have questions or concerns regarding TMJ, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.