Everyday aggravators cause many Royal Oak people to respond by clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth. For example, daily commuting can take a physical toll. All the traffic, noise, and perpetual road construction causes some people to grind their teeth as they navigate the sea of cars.
Some Royal Oak folks who hate waiting in long lines channel their frustration to their jaw as they try, by the sheer force of will, to cause the line to move faster.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause a painful condition called TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. In Royal Oak, TMD is often mistakenly called ‘TMJ’: the acronym for Temporomandibular Joint.
Your jaw is able to open and close thanks to many jaw muscles and the intricate temporomandibular joints. These joints allow for fluid mobility as you chew, speak, and yawn.
Damage to these joints can lead to chronic pain in the jaw, head, face and neck. Pain may be experienced on one or both sides of the jaw.
TMD is an often misdiagnosed condition in Royal Oak because facial pain can result from a variety of things, not just damage to the temporomandibular joints. Sinus infections, tooth decay, and facial inuries can cause jaw pain. A correct diagnosis is necessary for treating TMD.
At Duffield Dentistry we have been diagnosing and treating TMD since 1990. If you are experiencing clicking, popping, or discomfort in your jaw, call Duffield Dentistry today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
I am Dr. Larry Duffield and I enjoy providing high quality cosmetic dentistry to the residents of Royal Oak and the surrounding communities.
Duffield Dentistry not only treats TMD, but we redesign smiles with state-of-the-art dental treatments. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and root canal therapy.
Your smile is contagious! Make sure it is healthy and beautiful. Call Duffield Dentistry today to schedule a consultation or examination: (248) 541-1388.