Know The Signs of TMJ

Frequent headaches, jaw pain, ear pain and a popping jaw that can make chewing difficult are all possible symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), usually referred to as TMJ.

Patients who suffer from any or all of the above symptoms may not realize that they have a bite disorder until they visit with local Durham dentist Dr. Blaylock. Dr. Marckese takes a comprehensive approach to all patients, seeking to understand the underlying cause of any dental health problems before recommending a treatment plan to address symptoms. Dr. Blaylock, a restorative and cosmetic dentist, has specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of bite disorders such as TMJ.

Dr. Blaylock offers several TMJ therapy treatment options for patients diagnosed with TMJ, including splint therapy and oral appliance therapy. In many cases, these conservative treatments can address symptoms and help to restore balance in the bite by preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching- often the underlying cause of recurring headaches and jaw pain in many patients.

For patients who have sustained damage to the teeth due to the effects of TMJ, Dr. Blaylock may recommend a restorative treatment to realign the bite by adjusting the surface of the teeth or repairing damaged teeth. This could be accomplished with tooth bonding, dental crowns, veneers or other restorative procedures.

The goal of TMJ therapy is to restore balance to a patient’s bite, thus alleviating pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and relieving the associated symptoms. This is important for maintaining optimal dental health and avoiding further dental health issues which can arise when TMJ is left untreated.

If you have been suffering with any of the above mentioned symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Blaylock in his Durham dentist office. Restoring a healthy bite is important for long term dental health!