Our Knoxville dental office provides treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ or TMD. Dr. Haney has been trained to treat these types of disorders. Painful teeth, muscles, and joints can be symptoms of TMD. Other symptoms can include difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, pain with chewing, or a feeling that the jaw locks. People with TMD may also experience problems with sleep, tension headaches, or have an increased awareness of their mouth in general. Most of the patients who experience TMD symptoms are women, though men may be affected as well. The range of discomfort can vary from patient to patient and may be quite mild or severe enough to impact normal living.
If you are having symptoms of TMD, the first step is to schedule an examination. The doctor will discuss your current and previous symptoms, as well as your medical history. People with certain medical conditions can be at a higher risk to develop pain in the jaw and face; your dentist will review this with you. The dentist will also examine your teeth, jaws, and facial muscles. Once a diagnosis can be made, appropriate treatment can be scheduled. Treatment for TMD is not the same for each patient. Treatment depends on the patient’s particular symptoms, the duration and severity of the problem, and the expected prognosis after treatment is completed. In general, the least invasive, most conservative treatment is favored. Treatments can include home therapy, appliance therapy (wearing a device inside the mouth to help improve symptoms), medications, or referral to a specialist. In some cases recommendations to restore the form and function of the teeth may be made after the patient becomes asymptomatic.
TMJ Questions – “Yes” answers to these questions can indicate a TMJ problem
- Is your jaw painful or locked in the morning?
- Do you have difficulty chewing?
- Do you have missing back teeth?
- Have you had extensive dental work?
- Do you clench your teeth during the day?
- Has anyone heard you grinding your teeth while you sleep?
- Does chewing gum trigger your symptoms?
- Does your jaw deviate to one side when you open?
- Do you feel you cannot open as wide as you used to?
If you are suffering with TMJ symptoms, call (865) 693-6886 or contact us and Dr. Haney will be happy to examine you and discuss options to help you feel better.
