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TMJ/TMD Therapy Services
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-like structure that attaches the lower jaw to the skull just in front of the ear. Misalignment, disease, or arthritis may cause this joint to become inflamed, resulting in tooth, jaw, facial, and neck pain as well as headaches and many other symptoms.
Dr. Stroud has done extensive research with other dentists to help him understand this complicated and debilitating condition. He employs a few methods of relieving the stress on the joint, and decreasing the symptoms his patient experience. Dr. Stroud enjoys the challenge of restoring functionality to each patient’s unique jaw structure and relieving their individual set of symptoms.
Info on TMJ/TMD
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) refers to the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. Unlike other joints in the body that rotate, the TMJ slides as part of its functionality. This motion, along with the extensive use of this joint, can create a unique set of complications.
There are many symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction. These may include:
- Headaches
- Pain behind and around the eyes
- Pain in the temporal area of the head
- Tooth, neck, and jaw pain
- Tight muscles in the face that tire with talking or eating sticky/chewy foods
- Worn, cracked, or broken teeth
- Front teeth that are short and flat that may have chipped or broken
- TMD*
- Splint Therapy**
* TMD (temporomandibular disease) refers to diseases within the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) such as arthritis. Symptoms of this disease mimic those of TMJ, but are attributed to a disease within the joint.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms of TMJ/TMD, or feel that your teeth don’t fit together correctly, often there are simple things that can be done to help. Dr. Stroud would be glad to evaluate your individual conditions and discuss options with you.
** The use of an acrylic platform, known as a splint, is sometimes necessary to better position the TMJ and the muscles that make it work. This process often reduces many of the symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD. As the jaw responds and the muscles relax, several adjustments will be made to the splint to assure that the jaw is properly aligned. Once the jaw and its muscles are working and feeling better, a final plan can be developed to continue to improve function of the jaw and the muscles surrounding it. Depending on the severity, this therapy generally takes 3-6 months.
BiteFX
Just as no two patients are the same, no two mouths are the same. Through our compassionate listening and comprehensive exam during your initial visit, our team compiles a treatment plan tailored to suit your individual needs. We don’t want to fix just a single tooth and not look at why this tooth has failed you. Rather, we strive to treat your entire mouth and overall health. We explore the sometimes subtle signs of distress, illness and disease associated with gingivitis, decay, cancer, sleep apnea, and TMJ/TMD. We help you with a treatment plan to best address your specific issues. Whether the plan is simple or complex, we are confident that you will get the assistance you need in improving your oral and overall health.