TMJ & TMD Therapy Maple Grove, MN

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TMJ & TMD Solutions

To help you understand the complexity of TMD and TMJ you place your finger directly in front of your ear. Next open and close your mouth and then move your mouth side to side. TMD and TMJ is related to that unique joint you feel. It is a joint with a lot of mobility which is protected by a small disc sitting on the joint. Now that you can pinpoint the specific area in question we’ll give you specific definitions, the causes of the syndrome, the results and symptoms of experiencing TMJ and TMD and some of the solutions that Dr. Pan can propose to help you correct this misunderstood dental problem.

The entire staff at Pan Orthodontics, at 7830 Main St. in Maple Grove, MN, is trained to identify and evaluate symptoms of TMJ and TMD. After a brief evaluation you may find out you indeed do suffer from this syndrome. Concerned? Call 952-926-3747 for a consultation today.

The Actual Definitions of TMJ and TMD

To understand the dysfunction, TMD is a result of TMJ. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, is the actual joint, connecting the lower jawbone to your skull. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is the actual medical disorder resulting from dysfunction in the joint.

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The Causes of TMJ and TMD

The causes of TMD can vary but usually are a combination of several issues. These can include the displacement of that small disc in the joint, a degenerative joint disease, grinding your teeth, if you have psychological issues, a trauma such as an accident, possibly some genetic factors or even hormonal imbalances. Each of us deal with stress differently. Stress can be a major contributor to the disorder. You might be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw and not aware of it. These stress-induced actions will cause you to tighten the muscles in your jaw and face, putting more pressure on the TMJ joint and magnifying the disorder. TMD will affect twice as many women as men and seems to be the most evident in the age group from 20 to 40 years of age. Studies speculate that 20 or 30% of the adult population experience TMD. Like an ankle, knee, or elbow that can experience some abuse the temporomandibular joint can also. Due to its unique design and the proximity to the tiny sensitive nerves in your face it can be more uncomfortable than another joint.

Symptoms Attributed to TMJ and TMD

A list of symptoms that are identified with TMD is first a pain in your jaw or in the TMJ joint. This can also result in a pain or a ringing in your ears. If you are experiencing frequent neck aches or headaches you might be developing TMD. If there is a clicking or popping sound when your jaw moves that noise is a symptom. Muscle spasms in the jaw area are also indicative of TMJ and TMD. Maybe you may have noticed the alignment of your teeth has changed or you find it difficult to open your mouth wide and when doing so it feels like it might lock up.

The Solutions to Correct TMJ and TMD

TMJ and TMD can appear in your adult life with no prior symptoms. During your regular six-month visits to see Dr. Pan, if you believe you are beginning to experience some of these discomforts you need to bring it to our attention. TMJ and TMD can be treated with a splint or mouth guard worn at night to keep your teeth apart and rest the joint. You can wear orthodontic braces for a period to correct your bite. We often focus on our smile when it comes to considering braces. Your teeth may be straight, and your gaps are normal, but you cannot necessarily see the bite alignment. Our staff will evaluate that alignment and then determine whether the application of braces would improve this bite pattern and the alignment of your teeth with both jaws.

Is TMJ and TMD Life Threatening

The disorder can quickly result in severe pain that might dramatically affect your quality of life. It does deserve more attention though than over the counter pain relievers. TMD is non-life threatening and not permanent if corrective measures are taken. TMD can come in waves and be temporary with the pain going away. There are some measures you can exercise to control and prevent TMD.

Self Care Practices

Here are a few suggested practices that will help prevent TMJ and TMD and while maintaining a healthy and strong smile. Start with working on relaxing your face. Hold your lips together but keep your teeth apart. Do everything possible to avoid grinding your teeth and consider eliminating chewing gum. When on the phone use a headset and do not cradle the phone between your head and shoulder. When you eat make every attempt to chew on both sides of your mouth. Do not sit with your chin rested in your hand and for over-all good health try to practice good posture by keeping your back straight, your head up and your shoulders squared.

Know Yourself

Millions of Americans experience severe headaches, chronic facial pain, and neck pain that can be corrected and even prevented. If you experience any of these symptoms know that they are not common, and you should schedule an evaluation with Pan Orthodontics. The exact causes and symptoms are not totally clear and can be confusing and misleading. An x-ray will not diagnose the problem. An engaging dialogue between yourself and Dr. Pan will go a long way in correctly identifying the disorder. Of course, Dr. Pan cannot remove your life stressors, but we might improve your quality of life by diagnosing the TMJ and TMD problem. Then we can improve certain aspects of your personal life to help you reduce the factors causing to the TMJ and TMD. At your next checkup ask the staff at Dr. Pan’s office about TMJ and TMD and make we are not overlooking something that can easily be corrected. We are your teammates. Your team at Pan Orthodontics, at 7830 Main St. in Maple Grove, MN., will also advise you to brush your teeth slowly, twice a day with a good toothbrush. We suggest that you floss at least once a day. These simple preventative measures remove the bacteria carrying plaque that builds every day on the enamel of your teeth. Checkups every six months at Pan Orthodontics go along way with prevention. Call 952-925-3747 to schedule an evaluation today.

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