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TMJ Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR Posted: October 7, 2022 @ 6:41 pm |
TMJ Dentistry in Lake Oswego, ORDo you know the importance of the position of your teeth? Your occlusion, also called your bite, is the position of your jaw when your teeth are together. In the past, dentists based treatment decisions on the natural position of your bite, rather than attempting adjustments. However, modern dentistry has shown us that a problematic jaw position can play a significant role in TMJ issues. As a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Bowden takes every aspect of the jaw including teeth, joints, and muscles into consideration to offer specialized treatments for TMD. WHAT IS TMD?TMD refers to temporomandibular joint disorders. To understand TMD, Dr. Bowden believes it’s important to understand how the muscles in your jaw work. The temporomandibular joints, the TMJ, are what connect your jaw to your skull. These joints work similarly to a ball and socket. The end of the joint, referred to as the condyle, works within the corresponding depression in the skull, called the fossa. Between these two structures lies the articular disk, a small, round piece of cartilage that connects and separates the joints, allowing you to perform tasks such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and smiling. Depending on how the muscles are holding the jaw, the articular disk may either move freely or become pinched, resisting the natural movement of the jaw until it’s released. This is what produces the signature clicking sound many patients with TMD are familiar with. ADDITIONAL CAUSES OF TMDOther common causes of temporomandibular joint disorders include the following:
TMD TREATMENTAs a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Bowden will perform a full examination and ask about any symptoms relating to your posture, appearance, the condition of your teeth, and existing bite to provide an accurate diagnosis. He’ll also collaborate with your other healthcare professionals as needed to help alleviate all possible issues that can cause or contribute to TMD. If there’s nothing Dr. Bowden can do for you, he’ll refer you to another health care professional for evaluation of other possible issues. Possible treatments for temporomandibular disorders include:
The kind of treatment you receive will depend on your unique case. Relieve Your Jaw Pain at Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake OswegoIf you’re ready to find relief from temporomandibular joint disorders, call Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego at (503) 675-7300 and schedule your appointment with Dr. Bowden. You can also request an appointment online and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly.
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