The 411 on TMJ
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is a big word for your jaw joint. As a hinge joint it can move up and down, forward and backward, and side to side. All that mobility contributes to its vulnerability: it is subject to a painful condition called TMJ disorder, which is treatable at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover.
Sometimes you’ll hear the disorder referred to as “TMJ,” but strictly speaking TMJ refers to the jaw joint. Even professionals call it TMJ sometimes, but it should properly be called TMJ disorder, or TMD.
There are three common types of TMJ disorder:
Muscular. There are strong muscles on the side of the face and head, and they’re what make all that movement possible. Overuse can lead to tightness or pain. Stress can lead to clenching or grinding. Injuries can also affect these muscles.
Joint and Disc Displacement. There is a disc of soft tissue within the joint’s ball-and-socket portion. It can be damaged from trauma, such as dislocation. This can lead to pain when chewing, or simply opening your mouth. There may be a clicking or popping sound as you move your jaw.
Arthritis. Arthritis can affect any of your joints, including the TMJ. The joint’s cartilage deteriorates.
If any of this sounds familiar, please call us at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover. We can diagnose the condition and develop a TMJ/TMD treatment plan that works. We’ve treated people from Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley, who also come to us for cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and restorative dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Future of Dentistry:
Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):
Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821
978-663-4303Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826
978-957-1811Future of Dentistry – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845
978-685-8313Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-2299Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-970-2089