TMJ is an abbreviation used to refer to the temporomandibular joint, the joint that allows your jaw to open and close. TMJ disorders, also called TMD, are conditions that affect the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement.
TMJ disorders can have various causes, including jaw misalignment, teeth grinding bruxism , stress, arthritis, or trauma. The following videos by Dr. Cutbirth educate about TMJ, the symptoms, and how he treats it:. We do accept insurance, but unfortunately, insurance does not cover TMJ treatment. Cutbirth is well-equipped to evaluate and diagnose TMJ disorders due to his expertise in the anatomy and function of the jaw. During a dental examination, Dr. Cutbirth will assess your jaw joints, muscles, and teeth.
In some cases, additional diagnostic tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging MRI or computerized tomography CT scans, may be necessary to provide a more detailed view of the TMJ. The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw to the skull. When these joints undergo stress, TMD temporomandibular joint dysfunction can develop along with painful headaches. Cutbirth for 11 years and am so pleased with his care! He helped tremendously with my TMJ issues early on as well!
When the joint does not function properly, the muscles of the jaw become stressed. This strain creates tension that radiates through the skull and manifests itself in headaches, migraines, or popping in the jaw. As is always the case with any dental or medical condition, the first step in treatment is to receive a proper diagnosis. Cutbirth will review your complete medical history, perform a clinical exam, and take x-rays in order to confirm if you have some form of TMJ disorder.
After a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Cutbirth may recommend one or any combination of the following TMJ treatment methods:. In situations where the TMJ disorder is caused by dental factors, Dr. Cutbirth can directly address those issues. For example, if malocclusion misalignment of the teeth is contributing to the TMJ disorder, orthodontic treatment or dental restorations may be recommended to improve the bite and alleviate stress on the TMJ.
