Top Dentist in Bethlehem, PA
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. As with many other joints on the body, the TMJ can experience pain, discomfort, swelling and limited range of movement that gets in the way of your quality of life. When this occurs, it’s known as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We offer a range of helpful treatments and remedies for all TMJ-related problems.
The TMJ is incredibly necessary when it comes to eating, chewing and simply opening and closing your mouth to speak. When the joint becomes inflamed or painful, you may find that it gets in the way of living your best life. Some problems to look for concerning the TMJ include:
In some cases, TMJ problems resolve on their own and are simply temporary. If the pain, discomfort and swelling persists, we’ll often recommend physical therapy, muscle relaxants, pain relievers and hot/cold therapy as a way to help ease your suffering. In more extreme cases, surgery is required to help improve motion of the jaw and prevent swelling. The most common procedure performed is known as temporomandibular arthrocentesis, which simply means that the fluid is removed from the joint before the bone is realigned. Surgery-free options are always sought after first before considering more invasive procedures.