What is TMJ?
TMJ is the commonly used acronym for the temporomandibular joint. Also called your jaw joint, the TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. If the TMJ becomes stressed, misaligned, or injured, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. TMJ disorders can be the result of a number of factors, including stress, arthritis in the jaw joint, trauma, or bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). You may suffer from a TMJ disorder if you experience the following symptoms:
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds in the jaw when opening and closing your mouth
- Frequent migraines and tension headaches
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Painful chewing
- Jaw pain, facial pain, or ear pain
What is TMJ treatment?
At White Pearl Dentistry, we provide mouth devices to treat TMJ in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To treat a TMJ disorder and prevent migraines and headaches, Dr. Nadia Hamouda, our seasoned dentist, may recommend the NTI-tss Plus™ oral appliance, which fits over your front teeth only. This prevents teeth grinding and clenching to decrease headaches and relieve pain in your jaw. The NTI-tss Plus is smaller and less bulky than many other oral appliances, making it more comfortable and less likely to trigger a gag reflex. For more information on how we can treat TMJ disorders and prevent headaches, we welcome you to call or visit us today.