Posted:Aug 22, 2016
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the foundation of the chewing mechanism, located beneath the ear and connects each side of the skull to the lower jaw. The TMJ supports the motion of opening the mouth and moving the jaw. Without proper joint health and function, nothing else functions correctly.
If you experience tenderness in the jaw or frequent head and/or neck aches, there’s a possibility you’re suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. With the right treatment from Dr. Haywood, there is relief in sight. Learn about common TMD symptoms and how our team at Southern York Smile Care can help.
There are a number of factors that may cause TMJ disorder, ranging anywhere from injury to anatomical irregularities with regard to the joint and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Dr. Haywood will examine your TMJ for irregularities and assess your joint health as an essential part of our thorough restorative approach to dental care.
TMD causes frequent pain and stiffness in your jaw, as well as several other symptoms. These may include:
Here at Southern York Smile Care, we’re committed to your comfort and to achieving optimal functioning and comfortable jaws. Our goal is providing proper care so that you can chew, eat, speak, smile, laugh, and sing without discomfort.
Dr. Haywood has extensive experience in helping to reduce pain, and perfect your smile. We will work closely with you to determine the treatment plan that is most ideally suited to your individual needs. Treatment methods available to treat TMD may include:
Before and after TMJ therapy and dental work for Pastor Lutz in Shrewsbury, PA “I teach at a bible college and met Dr. Haywood at the church we both attend. My teeth never had decay yet I broke off virtually everyone of them with my grinding habit. I’ve done it for years and my teeth were all but gone! After setting my bite in the right position, Dr. Haywood was able to create a new set of teeth for me to try out and, when they were comfortable to me, I was able to get my new crowns made. The work took about 9 months and I have never felt better or smiled more. Thanks Dr. Steve.”
-Pastor Lutz
Seeking treatment for TMJ disorder is extremely beneficial in eliminating pain and discomfort, as well as:
Along with injury to anatomical irregularities, there are many other factors that may cause TMJ disorder. This may include bruxism, missing teeth, certain types of arthritis in the TMJ, or dislocation of the ball and socket of the TMJ. At your appointment, Dr. Haywood will assess your symptoms and entire mouth to determine the cause of your TMJ pain.
Making certain lifestyle changes may help relieve TMJ symptoms in the short-term. Some natural remedies may include acupuncture, massage, jaw stretches, and sleep position. However, it’s important to remember that these are temporary fixes and shouldn’t be considered a long-term solution. Give us a call at (717) 235-3871 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haywood so he can help determine an effective treatment for you.
If TMJ pain is taking a toll on your everyday life, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Pain and stiffness from TMJ can be impairing, but you don’t have to power through it. Dr. Haywood and his experienced team have the necessary and effective tools to help ease pain related to TMJ and get you back on track. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment today.
TMJ disorder therapy is more than a quick fix. As this condition, in most cases, has developed over a long period. Dr. Haywood and his outstanding team are highly experienced and trained in diagnosing facial pain and resolving TMJ and dento-facial pain syndromes.
Contact us at (717) 235-3871 to schedule a thorough TMJ and dento-facial pain evaluation at our Shrewsbury, PA office. We’ll find a solution for your condition and help ease your pain.
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