Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

In a car accident, it is not necessary to sustain direct impact or trauma to the face or jaw to cause Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD or TMJ) symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has documented the relationship between cervical whiplash and TMD. Our Sacramento area TMJ dentist is aware that whiplash injuries can also occur in sports or during falls.

We are committed to preventive dentistry in Roseville and the Sacramento area. TMJ refers to the joint itself, and TMD is the name of the disorder. We are always on the alert for symptoms that could lead to chronic difficulties like temporomandibular joint disorder. This is a common problem that involves the joints used in chewing, swallowing, and talking. TMD can lead to localized symptoms or seemingly unrelated headaches and earaches.

Facts About Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

One of the first culprits we look for during your regular dental examinations is bruxism. Bruxism is the name for forceful grinding and/or clenching of your teeth. Grinding is usually noisy; clenching is silent. Either can create so much stress on the jaw joints that patients experience serious and even debilitating muscle spasms and pain.

Many individuals are unaware that they “brux," so we look for telltale signs that include:

• worn-down teeth
• sensitive teeth
• chipped or broken teeth
• cracked or loose restorations
• scarring of the tongue and cheeks

Although earlier attempts to cure bruxism have ranged from sound alarms, electrical stimulation, psychotherapy, hypnosis, and drugs. We can now recommend simple, effective dental solutions. Some act like a crutch to rest the jaw joints while others encourage a natural reflex that stops your jaw automatically to protect your teeth and jaw joints.

We recommend regular dental visits so that we can monitor your oral health - and prevent little problems of all kinds from getting bigger - especially when dealing with the intricate TMJ, at our Sacramento area dental office.

Providing treatment for TMJ to Sacramento and Roseville, CA.