| Bleaching - (Tooth Whitening) | Crowns, Bridges and Dentures (Prosthodontics) |
| Dental Hygiene | Extractions / Wisdom Teeth |
| Fillings | Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) |
| Root Canals | TMJ |
| Veneers |
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TMJ is short for Tempromandibular Joint. |
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The Temporo-Mandibular Joint gets its name from the fact that it represents the junction of the temporal portion of the skull with the mandible (jawbone). This joint is unique in the body for two major reasons. First, it is not a simple hinge joint, like the knee or the elbow. Instead, it is powered by several sets of muscles, each working to control a slightly different stage of the opening and closing of the mandible. This opening and closing motion involves a three-dimensional rotation of the joint, with each set of muscles designed to act in harmony in order to facilitate proper function. The second unique aspect of this joint is that it is a bilateral joint, meaning that it is impossible for one side to open or close without the other side doing the same. Because of this fact, in order for the muscles of the TMJ to work properly and smoothly, a person's bite should be as balanced (symmetrical) as possible.  |
| The most frequent cause of TMJ problems is an imbalanced bite. Other factors can also play a role in the development of problems, such as stress, anatomical abnormalities, arthritis, trauma, etc. Symptoms of TMJ syndrome include the following: |  Pain
in or around the ear. This pain often spreads to the face.Tenderness
of the jaw muscles. Clicking
or popping noise when one opens or closes the mouth. Difficulty
in opening one's mouth. Jaws
that "get stuck", "lock", or go out". Pain
brought on by yawning, chewing, or opening the mouth widely. Certain
types of headaches or neck aches. |
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Copyright © 2001 T.O.C. All rights reserved. ®
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