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TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your complex jaw joint. If
you have had symptoms like a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or
grating noises when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your
mouth wide, you may have a TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind
your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint.
Or, you may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Whatever
the cause, since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious
conditions, early detection and treatment are important.Trouble
with Your Jaw?
Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your
mouth?
Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it
is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will
also help you understand how they're treated.
Treatment
There are various treatment options that Dr. Steadman can utilize
to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation
confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Steadman will determine
the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment
always works best with a team approach of self-care as well as professional
care..
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