TMJ Treatment in Beaverton, Oregon
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Jaw Joint Pain Treatment
Eubanks Family Dental specializes in treating TMJ disorders, offering services to the communities in Beaverton, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. If you are experiencing TMJ disorder and need professional assistance, we are here to help! Our knowledgeable and experienced dentists are dedicated to relieving the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder. Call us to get relief today!
TMJ Specialist Near Me
Eubanks Family Dental is your local specialist for TMJ disorders. Our team is dedicated to oral and dental health and has a comprehensive understanding of jaw function. We can help alleviate your symptoms by using oral appliances and various treatments. If your symptoms continue, we also provide expert guidance and advice to help you find additional solutions. Whether in Beaverton, Tigard, Aloha, or Hillsboro, we are here to assist you with your TMJ disorder. Contact our office to get started today.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD or TMJD, refers to jaw joint dysfunction, which can cause many degrees of pain and reduced jaw movement. Pain can be on either side of the jaw and often affects both. TMJ can cause difficulty chewing, popping, or clicking in the jaw, headaches, and even earaches or congestion.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Some causes include:
- Overactive use, which can cause excessive wear and tear, or bruxism, the grinding and clenching of your teeth on a regular basis, could be the source. Many times, people under stress will develop these habits.
- External damage from injuries.
- Arthritis in the jaw joint.
Three major muscle groups in the TMJ can be affected. The masseter is the strongest muscle in the human body and is responsible for the biting motion of the jaw. The lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid are muscles of mastication or chewing. They work together to provide rotation and hinge action, which opens and closes the mouth, and gliding motion, which allows the jaw to open wider.
By placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth, you can feel the movement of the joint. This motion is kept smooth by the cartilage disc between the condyle and temporal bone. If the cartilage is damaged or injured, you may experience popping, grinding, or crunching in the joint. Without the disc in place to protect your jawbone, it can grind against other bones and even has the potential to “lock” in place.
TMJ Treatment
1 in 10 people experience TMJ disorder symptoms at some point in their lifetime. In many cases, TMJ disorder can correct itself naturally within a few days. Allowing your jaw to rest by eating soft foods and avoiding gum can help the healing process. You should also try to refrain from opening your jaw widely while resting, so no singing or wide yawns. If your symptoms continue, please give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss what steps to take next. Here at Eubanks Family Dental in Beaverton, we can make custom mouth guards, which cushion any grinding or clenching to protect your teeth and, in many cases, will provide relief from the pain you may be feeling in your jaw area. Mouth guards may also be purchased at many retail locations. Feel free to ask us about the differences between having this done at our office located in Beaverton or purchasing a mouthguard from a retail store.
TMJ Disorder FAQs
What is TMJ disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control movement. TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD refers to the disorders affecting it.
Who treats TMJ disorder?
A variety of specialists can treat TMJ disorders, including
- Dentists
- Oral surgeons
- Physical therapists
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists
How long does TMJ disorder last?
The duration of TMJ disorder can vary depending on the severity of the condition and what caused it. In most cases, TMJ pain goes away within a couple of weeks. However, there are cases where TMJ can become a chronic condition that lasts for months or even years. If you are experiencing long-lasting TMJ disorder, visit Eubanks Family Dental for professional advice.
What causes TMJ disorder?
Some possible causes of TMJ disorders include:
- A bad bite or orthodontic braces
- Stress, tooth grinding, or clenching
- Poor posture
- Poor diet and lack of sleep
- Injury to the jaw or TMJ
- Genetics
How do you treat TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder can be treated with a variety of methods, but it is essential to consult a specialist or professional before attempting to treat it. Some treatment methods include:
- Bite guards or mouth guards
- Dental restoration
- Pain relievers
- Relaxation techniques
- Physical therapy
- Self-care
Helpful Information
If you are a new patient at Eubanks Family Dental and want to get started with our restorative dentistry services, check out our new patient forms.
Are you curious if your insurance is accepted? Check out the list of insurance that we accept most plans from.
Appointment Scheduling
Request an appointment on-line or give us a call today at 503-526-1330. You can click here for our new patient forms and bring these with you on your first appointment with us.
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