Dentist Charleston

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint, connects the jawbone to the skull and can be affected by Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which involves issues with the joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms range from mild jaw discomfort to severe throbbing pain, often accompanied by clicking or popping sounds during jaw movements. Other signs include jaw stiffness, occasional locking, and pain in the cheeks and temples. Teeth clenching or grinding can worsen symptoms, leading to muscle tension and difficulty chewing. Prompt recognition of these signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and management to alleviate discomfort and improve jaw function. Various factors contribute to TMD, such as teeth grinding, stress, joint disc displacement, osteoarthritis, inflammation, injury, and poor posture causing muscle strain. Identifying the specific cause is essential for developing an effective treatment plan, which typically involves personalized, conservative approaches to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and enhance jaw mobility.