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FAQs About TMD

In addition to standard dental services like periodontal treatment and dental implants, Dr. Peter G. Cooper, DDS also consults patients that experience temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD or TMJ disorder. TMD is an issue that can be resolved with a number of different solutions, up to and including oral surgery. Here are a few common frequently asked questions about TMD and its treatment.

What Causes TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is the place where the jawbone connects to the rest of the human skull. It’s located near the ear, which is why many people realize that they have a problem because of what they hear. The joint becomes stretched or strained, causing discomfort. Though there’s no conclusive evidence of what exactly causes TMD, doctors believe that it usually begins to appear after a head injury, whiplash after a car accident or clenching your teeth too often. It could also be caused by opening your mouth too widely, which sometimes happens when you let out a big laugh.

How Do You Know You Have TMD?
One clear sign of TMJ is a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth. It’s usually most prevalent when you’re eating. Again, because the joint is near the ear, the sound is loud and difficult to ignore. Patients of Dr. Cooper often report pain or a tender feeling in the sides of their faces. Some also experience “locked jaw,” where they have to maneuver to close or open their mouth. TMD also causes headaches, toothaches and ear ringing in some people.

How Does a Dentist Fix TMD?
Your dentist can provide you with a device to reduce the pain and symptoms of TMD. You might just need a custom mouthpiece to stop you from clenching or biting in the wrong place. Some dentists also prescribe NSAID medications to relieve the pain. In some cases, oral surgery is needed to repair the joint.

Talk to Doctor Cooper
Get relief from your TMD pain and symptoms by talking to Dr. Peter G. Cooper, DDS in Pasadena. He and his staff provide expert care and oral surgery for patients who suffer from bite and jaw problems. You have two options: call his office at (626) 796-1241 or visit http://www.pasadenadentalimplants.com to suggest an appointment time from your web browser.

Pasadena, CA Dentist
Pasadena Dental Implants
175 S. El Molino, Suite 4
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 796-1241
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