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 requires professional care. A comprehensive look at your dental history, in conjunction with a detailed medical exam, can determine the cause of your pain and what you can do to stop it. Your dentist will conduct a physical assessment of your bite, jaw, and facial muscle function, but might need to go further and will request an MRI or CT scan to determine if your joint discs are out of alignment. It is important that you address your symptoms and visit your dentist if you feel you might be suffering from TMJ dysfunction. Contact us at Norge Dental center, your Williamsburg dentist, and we will be happy to schedule a consultation for you! You can reach us at 757-941-5290.
Halloween is just around the corner, and the celebrations have already begun. From fall festivals and trunk-or-treats to school parties and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your amazing costume—and of course, load up on candy! 🎃🍬 For kids, trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween thrill, but for parents, all those sweets pose a challenge. Balancing the fun and dental health can be tricky. With a few proactive steps though, it’s totally doable. Here are five simple tips to keep Halloween happy—without letting it get too scary for your teeth.
Read MoreHave you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine. When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Read MoreAh, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body. Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
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