Do you have a TMJ disorder? Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders most commonly occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40, but may develop in anyone at any age. Your TMJ connects your lower jaw bone to your skull in front of each ear, and controls the facial muscles in charge of chewing. Problems with your TMJ can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear aches, headaches, locked jaw, bite problems, and jaw clicking or popping sounds. If you have persistent jaw pain, or if you can’t open or close your jaw comfortably, it’s time to take action. Make a TMJ disorder appointment with Papageorgiou Dental Associates today. Dr. Papageorgiou is the leading Natick TMJ disorder specialist. Papageorgiou Dental Associates delivers quality care daily throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. A TMJ disorder can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control your jaw movement. The exact cause of TMJ disorder development is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of problems, including arthritis or jaw injury, or bruxism (nightly teeth grinding).
Do You Have A TMJ Disorder?
If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment for a TMJ disorder examination:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw
- Earaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the jaw
How Does Dr. Papageorgiou Treat TMJ Disorder?
Oral Appliance Therapy (Night Guards): If you are suffering from TMJ disorder, you may benefit from wearing a custom oral appliance at night. The night guard fits securely over your upper and lower teeth, much like an athletic mouth guard. The oral appliance can help reduce clenching and teeth grinding, and ease muscle tension by relieving jaw joint stress and pressure.
Natick TMJ Disorder Therapy Appointments
To determine the presence of TMJ disorder, Dr. Papageorgiou will listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth, observe the range of motion in your jaw, and press gently on areas around your jaw to identify sites of pain and discomfort. Don’t go another day without seeking treatment for your TMJ disorder symptoms. Make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today for the TMJ disorder therapy you need to restore your quality of life. Dr. Papageorgiou is a trusted family dentist, now proudly serving families throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the neighboring areas.
In the dentist’s office, you’re probably used to hearing all about the common oral health problems that can affect your teeth, from cavities to gum disease to misalignments. But did you know that one of the most painful and frustrating oral conditions you can experience actually affects an area of the mouth you may have never even heard of before?