Your temporomandibular joints (also called TMJ, located just under the ears) may be small, but they have an incredibly important function. They connect your jaw to the skull, allowing for smooth, functional movement as you eat, speak, and smile. Unfortunately, this big responsibility can quickly go wrong if dysfunction or aggravation occurs in the TMJ joints or the surrounding muscles. Today, estimates show that around 10 million people in the United States currently suffer from TMJ disorder (also known as TMD), with countless cases left undiagnosed.
At Lifetime Dental of Agawam, Dr. Frank Michitti and the rest of our team can to help patients recover from this painful, debilitating health condition with effective TMJ therapy. Contact our Agawam & Feeding Hills, MA dental office today to schedule your first appointment or if you have any questions for us. We also welcome new patients from Springfield, MA and other surrounding areas.
TMJ disorder refers to when the temporomandibular joint falls out of alignment, and it can make it quite difficult to use your mouth comfortably. TMJ disorder can be caused by a wide range of factors such as blows to the face, dental misalignments, and chronic teeth grinding. Issues like these can inflame the bones, muscles, and connective tissues that make up your temporomandibular joint or work them out of balance, leading to unpleasant problems like pain, trouble eating and speaking, and popping or clicking sounds.
There are many potential causes of TMJ disorder, and symptoms can vary significantly from case to case. However, there are certain indications that patients can look for, including:
If you believe you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, please don’t hesitate to let Dr. Michitti know during your next checkup. He can perform a thorough assessment of your jaw and bite so he can detect signs of potential aggravation and wear-and-tear. If he determines that you’re in need of TMJ treatment, we offer treatments that can provide long-lasting relief like:
These customized oral appliances provide a cushion that reduces strain on the jaw muscles while helping to prevent bruxism (teeth grinding). This can realign the resting bite and bring the TMJ into better balance over time.
If your bite is off-balance and placing undue strain on the temporomandibular joints, Dr. Michitti can often modify crowded, loose, or missing teeth in order to help your dental arches fit together more evenly. This can reduce strain on the TMJ as well as unnecessary enamel wear.