
Oral health is not only about keeping the gums and teeth clean and free of disease. It also means paying close attention to the way essential oral structures behave, including the jaw and the joints connecting it to your skull. If a problem arises, such as chronic jaw pain or lockjaw caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, then it’s time to visit our dental office for treatment. TMJ disorder has the potential to cause long-term damage and pain, but visiting our dental office is sure to put you in the right direction!
While diagnosing can be difficult, Dr. Johnson knows exactly how to confirm the symptoms of TMJ disorder. This involves listening to and feeling your jaw as it opens and closes as well as measuring its range of motion. Then, he’ll perform an x-ray in order to better understand your teeth and jaw’s current condition. The more data we have on your teeth and jaw, the more accurate the diagnosis will be and the more effective treatment can become.
If your teeth are not coming together as harmoniously as they should be, it puts disproportionate amounts of force on your jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain as well as an increased risk of enamel erosion caused by teeth grinding. Our dental office can make minor modifications to your existing teeth and restorations (if applicable) to make your bite more even and less stressful on your jaw’s joints.