TMJ (Temporamandibular Joint)
Statesville, NC

Your mouth is an important feature of your body. It performs numerous essential functions each and every day. To perform these functions, your mouth relies on several components. One of these components is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the point at which your mandible connects to the skull. This joint is responsible for the movement of your jaw—opening it, closing it, and moving it from side to side. It allows you to eat, speak, and more. If the joint becomes irritated, it can cause serious pain, and interfere with the functions of your mouth as well as your quality of life. At Jon C. Packman DDS, we can help to alleviate the issues experienced by your TMJ with TMJ therapy.

TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is a broad term, which covers several different problems with your temporomandibular joint. These issues can cause you serious pain, which can interfere with your normal, daily activities. In some instances, it may make them unbearable, or even impossible. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include such things as:

•	Pain at the joint as well as in the jaw
•	Pain and difficulty while chewing
•	Having a hard time opening your mouth
•	Hearing/feeling clicking, popping, or grinding when you open and close your mouth
•	Your jaw may lock open or shut
•	Severe headaches or earaches

What Causes Issues With Your TMJ?

There is no singular cause for TMJ disorder. Sometimes, the causes are not always clear, which can make pinpointing them more difficult. Causes may include:

•	Facial trauma .
•	Whiplash. This often occurs in a car accident, when your jaw temporarily dislocates.
•	Alignment issues with your teeth and/or jaw.
•	Bruxism (the grinding and clenching of your teeth).
•	Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?

Before treating your TMJ disorder, we first need to diagnose the cause. Diagnosis is essential for providing you with the most effective treatments. In order to diagnose TMJ disorder, we perform a thorough oral exam. First, we visually inspect your mouth. We check for alignment issues, uneven (or excessive) tooth wear, tenderness. We also take x-rays, which will allow us to see everything that is happening under the gumline. Once we are able to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder, we can then formulate a treatment plan.

Treatments for TMJ Disorder

There are several treatments available for TMJ disorder. The treatment we choose for you will depend upon the cause of your TMJ disorder and your specific needs:

•	Nightguard (occlusal splint). A nightguard is a custom fit oral device that is worn while you sleep. It is often used to treat bruxism. It works by holding your jaw in proper alignment, and provides cushioning when your muscles contract. In doing so, it helps to protect your teeth from damage and your jaw from experiencing pain.
•	Botox. While commonly used for cosmetic purposes, Botox can also be used to weaken the muscles in the jaw. In doing so, it helps to prevent the TMJ pain caused by bruxism.
•	Orthodontic treatment. In the event that your TMJ pain is caused by misaligned teeth (or a misaligned jaw), orthodontic work can correct your pain.
•	Surgery. Surgical procedures are often saved for when no other treatment options prove effective.
•	Physical therapy. Physical therapy can often ease the pain of chronic TMJ pain (pain that continually comes back regardless of treatment).

If your TMJ is causing you pain and interfering with your daily life, TMJ therapy can help. Contact Jon C. Packman DDS at (704) 978-7060 today to learn more and schedule your consultation today.