“Dr Dana Martín and his staff are wonderful!
Compassionate and caring. He is very thorough and detailed oriented, would highly recommend”
Riola Gutierrez

If you continue to experience pain in the jaw that limits your quality of life, we can help relieve the pain and related symptoms as a TMJ dentist. Standing for a temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD is a condition that affects the joints in the jaw, causing pain, soreness, difficulty eating, challenges when speaking, headaches, and more.

TMJ treatment is available at Dana R Martin Orthodontist in Knoxville, Alcoa/Maryville, TN. There is no reason to let the condition get worse without treatment. Since each patient’s condition is unique, we will customize the treatment to each patient’s individual needs.

Call us today and schedule an appointment to receive the lasting pain relief you need with our TMJ treatment.

Causes of TMD

TMD refers to the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles. There are numerous causes of TMJ disorder, and the exact one can be challenging to determine. Chronic stress can produce tension in the area, and people who grind or clench their teeth may develop problems within the jaw joint.

Other causes may include external sources, health conditions, and personal habits:

• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Excessive gum chewing
• Misalignment of the jaw
• Injury to the jaw

Often, TMD results from a combination of factors. Recurrent muscle issues can lead to a cycle of pain because they affect the joints. These, in turn, cause tissue damage, muscle spasm, and muscle tenderness.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

A common sign of TMD is localized pain in the jaw joint. However, since the joint is in front of the ear, associated symptoms include pain in the ear, forehead, face, or eye. Another common indication is frequent clicking of the jaw.

People with TMJ disorders typically have headaches due to tension. TMD can also affect certain functions such as moving the mouth and seeing. Thus, some people may have symptoms such as difficulty chewing or blurry vision. On rare occasions, symptoms associated with the TMJ may include vertigo or dizziness.

Treatment of TMJ Disorders

A TMJ dentist takes a conservative approach to treatment in the beginning. A bite guard or stabilization splint is a common treatment approach. If the problem seems to be caused by bite issues, our orthodontist may recommend bridgework, braces, or an occlusal adjustment. For patients in which conservative remedies do not bring results, other treatments, such as surgery or implants, may be recommended.