TMJ & TMD Jaw Pain Treatment
TMJ treatment and management of symptoms of TMD
With over 10 years experience treating patients with TMD, Dr. Ward utilizes a broad range of techniques depending on the individual needs of each person to find the most appropriate and minimally invasive way to manage symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joints.
Contact Dr. Ward for your TMJ / TMD evaluative exam.
What is the “TMJ”?
The term “TMJ” is an abbreviation for Temporo-Mandibular Joint, or the jaw joint. In fact, there are really two TMJs, one in front of each ear. The TMJ is the joint formed by the temporal bone of the skull (Temporo) with the lower jaw or mandible (hence: mandibular). Your TMJ’s are the most complex joint in your entire body. Placed between these two bones is a disc, just like the one between your back bones. What is “TMD”?
TMD stands for Temporo-Mandibular Disorder or Temporo-Mandibular Disfunction. This is a catch-all term that is commonly used to describe symptoms related to the temporomandibular joints. A disharmony between the bones, muscles, teeth, and ligaments of our chewing system that is greater than the adaptive capacity of the individual, can result in the presence of TMD symptoms. Symptoms can include muscle soreness, limited range of jaw movements, jaw joint sounds, and pain in the jaw joints themselves. Management of TMD is initially accomplished with reverseable treatment such as an occlusal orthotic. Once stability of the lower jaw is achieved and symptoms have been relieved, and second phase of treatment that may involve orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and/or surgery is often required.
