When you experience ongoing pain in the area near your ear, a clicking or popping sound from your jaw and stiffness or pain in the 
muscles on the side of your face, you may be suffering from TMD or temporomandibular disorders. TMD is a group of conditions that are associated with dysfunction or pain of the TMJ or the temporomandibular joint. At Blue Ridge Dental, your dentists in Mount Airy, North Carolina Drs. Lynette and G. Bennett Smith, can fully examine you and offer you TMD/TMJ treatment options.
About TMD/TMJ Treatment
The TMJ pain or stiffness can be caused by strain, disk problems, sore muscles or inflammation. Oftentimes, TMD is genetic or comes with age. Stress can also lead to the development of TMD/TMJ symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of TMD is clicking sounds. This is caused by the shifting of the disk inside the joint itself. The jaw can even get stuck in an open or closed position for those suffering from TMD. Our dentist in Mount Airy, North Carolina can examine you and determine what type of treatment options will suit your situation best.
For some simple changes such as diet may help. For other moist heat or ice may relieve inflammation or soreness. Muscle spasms can be treated with gentle stretching. Muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications have been proven to be successful too. For more severe TMD cases, bridge work, orthodontics, cortisone injections or even surgery may be required. It’s important to try a variety of conservative treatments first before considering more serious ones. The Proper amount of time must be given to determine whether or not the treatment is in fact working.
Our dentists in Mount Airy, North Carolina can fully examine you and help you with your TMD/TMJ pain today. To schedule an appointment with our professional staff today, call 336-789-5306.