TMJ Disorders

Jaw and muscle pain associated with the TMJ is common, and in most cases, can be improved with appropriate therapy.

Occlusal disease may result in the jaw joints themselves becoming symptomatic. Noise such as popping and clicking during normal jaw movements like eating is common and in some cases painful. If occlusal disease is not treated the problems may slowly progress over time. Ultimately the teeth wear out prematurely and may be lost. Muscle and jaw problems can continue to cause discomfort. If occlusal disease is diagnosed early, progression of the damage can be avoided and treatment can be much simpler. If treatment is delayed, damage becomes more severe and solutions more expensive and complex. Treatment can include mild recontouring of the teeth to balance the bite, restorations of worn teeth, orthodontic treatment to better align the teeth or a combination of all three.