What is TMJ? It is an acronym that stands for Temporomandibular Joint. It is the joint that connects your jawbone to the temporal bones on your skull, which are located in front of each ear. Many people suffer from Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD (which people often confuse with TMJ), which causes pain in the hinged joint itself, as well as in the muscles surrounding it that control jaw movement. TMJ disorders can affect just about anyone, but tend to be more common in women than in men, and most often affect people between the ages of 20 and 40. Sufferers experience an array of pain, ranging from slight and temporary to severe and long-lasting. The only way to diagnose your symptoms properly and devise a solution is to see your dentist. Schedule an appointment with our office today if you feel you experience some of these symptoms regularly:
There are many causes of TMD, and without an evaluation from a dentist, you might not ever know what is causing your TMJ pain. Causes contributing to this disorder include the following:
Treatment of TMJ dysfunction begins with a professional evaluation. Your dentist will review your dental and medical history and perform a thorough exam to identify the source of your jaw pain. This may include evaluating your bite, jaw movement, and facial muscles.
In some cases, additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be recommended to determine whether the joint discs are misaligned or if another issue is affecting the temporomandibular joint.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty chewing, it’s important to address them early. A trusted dentist in Williamsburg, VA, can help diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment plan.
Contact us at Norge Dental Center, and we will be happy to schedule a consultation for you! You can reach us at 757-941-5290.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
call (757) 564-0804
