The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the head. When this joint becomes stressed, injured or misaligned, it can cause significant pain and discomfort and impact your ability to chew, speak, yawn and perform many other daily activities. This condition is known as a TMJ disorder or TMD.
TMJ disorders may be caused by a number of different factors, including:
- Stress
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Trauma and injury to the head, neck or jaw
- Arthritis in the joint
- Misaligned bites and jaws
Some common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Inability to open your mouth wide to speak, eat or yawn
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Frequent facial and jaw pain
- Pain in the neck, ears and shoulders
- Frequent headaches
When you visit Silva Dentistry, our experienced dentist will examine your jaw, mouth and head to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder. He will then be able to recommend a treatment to relieve your discomfort and restore your jaws to proper function. There are a number of treatments available, and we will work with you to determine which type of treatment will be most effective for you. Treatments may include jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, restorative dental treatments, mouth guards or night guards, BOTOX® injections, or jaw surgery. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of your TMJ disorder.
We invite you to call us at 915-591-4303 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Benjamin Silva and learn more about TMJ treatment in El Paso, Texas.