Dr. Jocelyn Tan and Dr. Sundus Abudayyeh have focused their advanced training and postgraduate education in the diagnosis and treatment of complex dental problems such as TMJ Disorder. As a graduate of the Dawson Academy, Dr. Tan and Dr. Abudayyeh practice complete dentistry and take a comprehensive approach to all facets of their dental practice.
What Is A TMJ Disorder?
Although commonly called TMJ, this type of dental problem is a disorder associated with the jaw joint or temporomandibular joint. This hinge type of joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and enables you to speak and chew- generally move your jaw.
There is a range of problems with the TMJ that can lead to bite disorders or temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and Dr. Tan and Dr. Abudayyeh have advanced education and experience inaccurate diagnosis and treatment for results that will provide lasting dental health. A thorough and comprehensive evaluation of all parts of your occlusal system (teeth, gums, and jaw), as well as a discussion of your lifestyle habits, is the first step towards identifying the underlying cause for your dental concerns and finding the appropriate treatment to alleviate painful symptoms and restore health.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), or bite disorder, characterized by jaw, neck or facial pain as well as several other common symptoms:
- Frequent headaches
- Clicking or popping jaw
- Ear pain
- Difficulty chewing
There are a variety of causes for TMJ Disorder, including trauma to the jaw, malocclusion as a result of crooked or misaligned teeth, and hormonal changes that affect the function of the jaw joint.
In a majority of cases, patients also experience teeth grinding and clenching as a result of the imbalance in the jaw, which leads to many of the symptoms above as well as worn and damaged teeth. Patients often do not realize that teeth grinding is the cause of their worn teeth, headaches, and jaw pain until visiting with Dr. Tan.
Addressing a bite disorder early is important to avoid the need for extensive restorative dentistry to reestablish oral health.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
After an evaluation of your bite, Dr. Tan or Dr. Abudayyeh will recommend appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and oral health concerns. In many cases, a custom mouth guard or dental splint can restore balance to the bite and prevent further damage from teeth grinding.
In more severe cases, especially if teeth are worn and/or damaged, restorative dental treatments and orthodontics may be necessary to balance the bite and restore dental health.
TMJ Mouthguard: A TMJ mouthguard is a removable oral appliance that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in the proper position. Usually worn during sleep, an oral appliance may also prevent teeth grinding or clenching which can lead to tooth wear and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. TMJ Disorder treatment through splints, mouthguards, and night guards can help to alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
Bite Correction Procedures: Occlusal equilibration, better known as bite correction or TMJ correction, is the process of adjusting the alignment of the teeth for optimal fit. The teeth should line up so that they make even contact with one another, creating a low-stress bite.
Over 95% of TMJ dysfunction (TMD) and TMJ pain is caused by an improper occlusion. Bite correction, often achieved through restorative dentistry, can help to alleviate the symptoms of TMD, such as a sore jaw, headaches, teeth clenching, and more.