TMD / TMJ Treatment in Edmonds, WA
Diagnosing and Treating TMJ – TMD in Seattle
Studies indicate that more than 15% of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, pain in the neck or shoulders, clicking or popping when opening the mouth, or constant headaches.
If you are suffering from these symptoms, you might be one of the many Americans who suffer from Temporomadibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
This joint is the hinge that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is in front of the ear on each side of the head. This joint, with the help of several jaw muscles, allows you to speak, chew and swallow.
What causes TMD?
The jaw joint is considered the most frequently used joint in the body. Possible causes of TMD include:
- Clenching or grinding the teeth
- Injury to the jaw, head or neck
- Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis in the joint
- Stress, which can cause tightening of the facial and jaw muscles
- Dislocation of the disc between the jawbone and the socket
- A bite that is out of balance or misaligned
What are the Symptoms of TMD?
- Headache
- Pain or tenderness in face, jaw, ear, neck or shoulders
- Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
- Facial muscles feeling fatigued
- Clicking or popping when opening and closing mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Swelling on the side of the face
- Tooth wear, thinning and/or chipping
How is TMD Diagnosed in Seattle and Edmonds, WA
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to TMD, so it is important to come to your specially trained Edmonds, WA TMD dentist Dr. Hrankowski for a diagnosis.
As a TMJ/TMD headache relief dentist in Edmonds, Washington, Dr. Hrankowski will examine your joints and muscles for tenderness, listen for popping or grating, look for limited motion, and examine your bite. Sometimes x-rays are taken to view the entire jaw and joint.
TMD – TMJ Treatment in Edmonds, WA
TMJ Treatment and management of your TMD in the Seattle area depends upon the cause. We will always strive to treat the cause of the problem with the ultimate goal being the reduction and/or elimination of your symptoms.
Call Edmonds, WA TMJ headache relief dentist Dr. Michael E. Hrankowski at Edmonds Woodway Dental Care near Seattle and Everett, Washington today to schedule a consultation to diagnose your situation. Through our training, experience and the latest technology, we can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate TMJ treatment in the Seattle area.
Learn more about Seattle and Edmonds, WA headache relief and TMJ treatment by visiting TMJ dentist in Edmonds, WA Dr. Hrankowski’s website TheHeadacheReliefClinic.com!
