The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone of your skull. Everyone has two of these joints, and they’re located in front of the ears.
These two very important joints and their corresponding jaw muscles and ligaments enable the opening and closing of the mouth. Your TMJ facilitate chewing, talking and even swallowing. These joints also control the mandible or lower jaw as it moves forward, backward and side to side.
Each of your TMJ has a disc situated between the ball and socket. This disc provides a kind of cushion that enables the jaw to function in a variety of ways, including opening widely or rotating or gliding.
A TMJ disorder can often be painful. It consists of any problem that prevents these muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly. TMJ disorders can be caused by arthritis, dislocation, injuries, tooth and jaw alignment (or misalignment), stress and teeth-grinding.
Properly diagnosis for TMJ disorders is crucial because the affliction is treatable! There are several treatments for this affliction, and some of them are relatively simple. But sometimes TMJ disorders need to be addressed through orthodontic treatment.
At Bullard Family Dentistry, we offer various types of effective TMJ treatment that are all designed to alleviate pain and help you enjoy a pain-free quality of life again. So, if you experience a painful popping or clicking noise while chewing — or perhaps you have frequent headaches or jaw pain — please call us at 903-710-2309, and we’ll take great care of you.